British man dies and his two friends are critically ill after travelling to Turkey for teeth whitening treatment
- Richard Molloy, 33, died on Saturday after travelling to Marmaris for dental work
- His friends Declan Carson and Aaron Callaghan were also left critically ill
A 33-year-old Belfast man has died after travelling to Turkey for dental treatment, while two of his friends remain in hospital.
Richard Molloy died on Saturday after travelling to Marmaris for dental work, while his two friends Declan Carson and Aaron Callaghan were left critically ill.
It remains unclear what caused Mr Molloy’s death but it is understood he was in Turkey for a teeth whitening procedure.
Colin Bell from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is helping the family bring Mr Molloy’s remains home.
Richard Molloy, 33, (pictured) from Belfast, died on Saturday after travelling to Marmaris for dental work, while his two friends Declan Carson and Aaron Callaghan we left critically ill
He told the Belfast Telegraph: ‘It’s a very difficult situation. The young fellow died out in Turkey after travelling with his two friends,
‘I understand they had been travelling out for dental treatment, we don’t know how it happened but it ended up with Richard dying and the other two lads being seriously ill.
‘At this stage his sister has flown out and she’s been put in touch with the funeral company who are looking after Richard’s repatriation.’
A Foreign Office spokesperson told the Guardian: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Turkey and we are in contact with the Turkish authorities.’
It remains unclear what caused Mr Molloy’s death but it is understood he was in Turkey for a teeth whitening procedure. Pictured: Turunc Bay in Marmaris
The Irish Government said: ‘We are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.’
North Belfast Sinn Fein MP John Finucane described said the ‘absolutely heartbreaking’ tragedy had affected ‘three fit and healthy young lads’.
He said: ‘It is just a tragedy now that there is a family going to have to make plans to bring their son home to bury him.’
The SDLP deputy mayor of Belfast, Paul McCusker, described the news as ‘worrying and devastating’.
North Belfast Sinn Fein councillor JJ Magee said the Ardoyne community was ‘in a state of shock’.