A British man has died after travelling to Turkey for a hair transplant procedure, prompting an investigation into allegations of reckless homicide.
The 38-year-old - whom the Daily Mail has named as Martyn Latchman - died after becoming unwell at the CINIK clinic in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, a facility popular among international patients seeking cosmetic treatments.
The incident occurred during the preparatory phase of what was meant to be his second hair transplant at the clinic.
The CINIK clinic, which has treated more than 70,000 patients according to its website, confirmed that Mr Latchman - originally from Bridgend but living in Milton Keynes - had previously undergone a successful procedure at the facility in July 2024. Following positive results, he had returned for a follow-up operation.
CINIK issues statement
In a statement provided to Metro and the Daily Mail, the clinic said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our patient. In July 2024, the patient had previously undergone a successful hair transplant procedure at our clinic, and following his satisfaction with the results, he returned for a second procedure.
"Prior to the second operation, all necessary medical evaluations and tests (including blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, etc.) were carried out thoroughly and without omission, just as they were during the first procedure. These assessments were conducted under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery.
"However, before the hair transplant procedure began and during the preparatory phase, the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown. Immediate medical intervention was provided, and he was urgently transferred to a fully equipped university hospital. Despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, the patient sadly passed away later that evening.
"Our clinic is an experienced medical institution that has performed over 70,000 hair transplant procedures to date. All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and the matter is currently being investigated by judicial bodies.
"Unfortunately, much of the information circulating in the media does not reflect the truth. Claims suggesting that the patient passed away during the procedure or that the operation was interrupted midway are incorrect.
"The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun. Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time."
.jpg_SBH4pt?tr=w-216%2Cq-70%2Cf-webp)
Cause of death still unknown
According to Turkish outlet OdaTV, via the Metro, Latchman was rushed to hospital and admitted to intensive care but could not be saved. His body has been transported to the Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy before repatriation to the UK.
The Turkish authorities, including the Istanbul Province Health Directorate, have launched an investigation.
Staff and doctors from the CINIK clinic have reportedly been questioned in relation to accusations of "reckless homicide."
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Tributes pour in from family and friends
Mr Latchman’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media. One person shared a gym photo alongside Latchman, writing in the caption: “Rest in peace my brother,” accompanied by a broken heart emoji. Another message read: “You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads,” with a crying emoji.
Family members have also reportedly turned their social media profile pictures black in a sign of mourning.
Latchman, who is said to have been a keen athlete and dedicated educator, had been assistant headteacher at Goldington Academy between 2016 and 2024, where he also led the computer science department. He later worked as a network administrator for a private defence contractor in Northampton. He held a Bachelor of Science from De Montfort University and a master's degree in education from the University of Bedfordshire.
He was known for his charity work, including running 10 kilometres daily from December 1 to Christmas Day in 2022 to raise £1,870 for the Tree of Hope charity and a sick child in Wales.
Cosmetic tourism under scrutiny
Turkey is one of the world’s leading destinations for cosmetic medical procedures, offering lower costs and proximity to Europe. The country reportedly performs 60% of the world’s hair transplants, and in 2022 alone, around 150,000 Britons traveled to Turkey for medical treatments, per Clinic Center Turkey.
A hair transplant in Turkey can cost as little as £1,500 — substantially cheaper than UK procedures, which range from £3,000 to £10,000.
Despite the appeal, there have been growing concerns over safety and regulation. While thousands of procedures are successful each year, some cases have ended in tragedy. In one instance, French student Mathieu Vigier Latour, 24, died by suicide after a botched beard transplant allegedly performed by an unqualified estate agent posing as a surgeon.
Our thoughts go out to Latchman's family and loved ones at this time.