Irish mother-of-two dies after traveling to Turkey for medical procedure

An Irish woman has died after traveling to Turkey for a medical procedure, the Irish Independent has learned.

The mother-of-two, who was from the South East, was brought home with help from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and her funeral service was held this week.

She is understood to have traveled to Turkey late last month and tragically lost her life during the procedure.

A State Department spokesman confirmed that he was aware of the case and provided consular assistance to the family.

“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of a specific case,” the spokesman added.

Tributes were pouring in for the popular mother-of-two, with friends describing her as a “beautiful soul” and “someone who will be greatly missed by all”.

Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish people seeking dental, cosmetic and bariatric (weight loss) procedures. High costs, long waiting lists and the unavailability of certain procedures in Ireland are driving people abroad.

One of the country’s largest health tourism agencies, Health Store Turkey, has reported that inquiries from Irish people seeking bariatric surgery alone have increased by almost 220 percent in the last year.

The Irish have also flocked abroad for dental treatment.

Last month, a Co Louth taxi driver died after flying to Turkey for dental work.

Tony Rogers traveled to Istanbul for an emergency procedure but is said to have fallen ill in the dentist’s chair.

The 66-year-old owned Drogheda-based taxi company Tony’s Cabs and has been described as a popular man loved by many.

A full inquest into his death is expected to take place in Turkey.

A notice published on RIP.ie states that he has died suddenly and is loved by his loving daughters Eleanor and Gillian, son David and their mother Carol, grandchildren Dylan, Brandon, Kyle, Callum, Katie and Conor, his brothers, extended family and a large circle of friends.