A British man, identified as Martyn Latchman, has tragically died in Turkey after traveling for a hair transplant procedure at a private clinic in Istanbul. The 38-year-old, a respected former assistant headteacher and fitness enthusiast, passed away before the procedure began, according to a statement released by the Dr Cinik clinic.
Latchman, who was originally from Bridgend, Wales, and lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, had traveled to Besiktas, Istanbul, to undergo a £1,500 hair transplant at one of Turkey’s most prominent cosmetic surgery centers. However, he began to feel unwell before the operation and later died, despite intensive medical care.
His body was repatriated to the UK following an autopsy at Istanbul’s Forensic Medical Institute.
Tributes to an “Inspiring” Educator and Athlete
The news has devastated his family, friends, and the broader community, where Latchman was known for his inspirational spirit and generosity. His brother, Yashley, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a gym photo of Martyn with the message:
“Rest in peace, my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads.”
Other family members changed their social media profiles to black in a mark of mourning.
Latchman had left a lasting impact on those around him. In 2022, he raised more than £1,800 for the Tree of Hope Charity by running 10 kilometers daily from December 1st to Christmas Day. He was remembered not only as a beloved family member but also as an inspiring teacher, mentor, and advocate for children’s welfare.
Dispute Over Timing of Incident
Initial reports had suggested Latchman may have died during the hair transplant operation, but the Dr Cinik clinic strongly denied these claims.
“The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun,” said a spokesperson. “Despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, the patient sadly passed away later that evening.”
The clinic said Latchman had undergone successful treatment there in July 2024 and had passed all pre-surgical evaluations before suddenly feeling unwell.
“Our clinic is an experienced medical institution that has performed over 70,000 hair transplant procedures to date. All relevant medical documentation has been submitted to the appropriate authorities. The matter is currently under judicial investigation,” the statement read.
The clinic also addressed widespread media speculation, claiming, “Much of the information circulating does not reflect the truth. Claims that the operation was interrupted or that he died mid-procedure are false.”
Spotlight on Turkey’s Medical Tourism Boom
Latchman’s death casts renewed attention on Turkey’s booming medical tourism industry, which attracts an estimated one million Britons annually for low-cost cosmetic treatments — from hair transplants and dental work to plastic surgery.
While most procedures are completed without incident, there have been growing concerns about safety, regulation, and post-operative care. Previous cases, such as that of Katrina Marshall, a British mother who nearly died after complications from a £6,000 cosmetic package, have sparked calls for greater transparency and oversight in the industry.
The Dr Cinik clinic, which boasts over 20 years of experience and a celebrity clientele that includes Rio Ferdinand and Ivan Rakitic, markets its services as offering “personalized care in English” with “cutting-edge techniques.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson confirmed,
“We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The official cause of Latchman’s death remains unclear as investigations continue. For now, friends and loved ones are left grieving the loss of a man described as compassionate, driven, and full of life.
