A British man has died after starting a hair transplant procedure in Istanbul.
Martyn Latchman, 38, from Milton Keynes, who left a 16-year career in teaching last year to become a defence contractor, died last week after becoming unwell during the preparatory phase of the £1,500 procedure.
The clinic involved, Dr Cinik in the Besikitas area of the city, whose former clients include the ex-England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, said it was not known why Latchman fell ill.
He was transferred to an intensive care ward in a nearby hospital but died later that day, the clinic confirmed. Turkish media said police had launched an investigation.
Latchman’s body has since been flown to the UK. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Until last December, Latchman, originally from Bridgend in south Wales, had been the assistant headteacher at Goldington academy in Bedford, where he was also head of computer science, according to his LinkedIn profile.
His online posts suggest he regularly ran and worked out at gyms.
Latchman’s family and friends paid tribute to him on social media. Yashley Latchman posted a photograph of him working out with Martyn with the caption “Rest in Peace my brother”. He wrote: “You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. Will miss u loads.”
Alain Latchman commented: “Yes Yashley very sad. Too young.”
Dr Cinik’s website claims it has conducted more than 50,000 successful transplants. Its best known clients are international footballers. As well as Ferdinand, other former patients include the Croatian World Cup finalist Ivan Rakitić, the former France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé and the Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo.
In a statement, the clinic said it was “deeply saddened” by Latchman’s death.
It said he had a successful hair transplant last summer and had returned this year for a second procedure.
The statement said: “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 anaesthesiologist, 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.”
The statement added: “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.”
It also denied reports in the Turkish media last week that Latchman died during the procedure or that the operation was interrupted.
It added: “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.”
