Autopsy report prepared: Cause of Ece Gürel's death determined!

The Forensic Medicine report regarding the death of Ece Gürel, who was found in critical condition four days after going missing in the Belgrade Forest and passed away after being hospitalized, has been completed. According to the report, Gürel's death was caused by cold weather conditions and the resulting health complications.

Significant findings were reached during the autopsy conducted by the Council of Forensic Medicine following the death of 36-year-old landscape architect Ece Gürel at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.

The report states that a detailed radiological examination, post-mortem examination, and autopsy were performed on Gürel, who was found alive and transferred to the hospital, by the Morgue Specialization Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine.

The analyses found no medical evidence that Gürel died due to any physical assault or traumatic impact. Furthermore, it was announced that no findings of poisoning were encountered in toxicological and biological analyses. The report also emphasized that no DNA profile belonging to another person was found in the samples taken from her body.

The report included the following statements regarding Ece Gürel's death:

"According to the findings obtained from the radiological imaging, post-mortem examination, autopsy procedures, and the examination of samples taken during the autopsy, it has been determined that Ece Gürel's death occurred as a result of exposure to cold (hypothermia) and subsequent complications."

The mentioned complications included rhabdomyolysis, which occurs due to the breakdown of muscle tissue, and the resulting acute kidney failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INCIDENT

Ece Gürel had left her home in the Gültepe neighborhood of Kağıthane, Istanbul, on Sunday, March 2, stating that she was going to the Belgrade Forest. When she could not be reached for a long time, her family notified the authorities. Following this, a large-scale search operation was launched in the forest with the participation of numerous search and rescue teams.

During the operations carried out on March 4, Gürel's mobile phone and some personal belongings were found. Search activities continued without interruption.

After intensive efforts, at 01:15 on March 6, the fourth night of her disappearance, teams found Ece Gürel in critical condition in a rugged and difficult-to-access area. Gürel, who was immediately taken to Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, was treated in the intensive care unit. However, despite all medical interventions, she could not be saved and passed away.

Gürel's funeral was laid to rest at Kocasinan Cemetery following the afternoon prayer at the Güneşli Central Mosque in Bağcılar on March 7.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into Ece Gürel's death. In this context, Gürel's mother, father, husband, and a friend were called to testify as "persons with knowledge."

Additionally, judicial proceedings were initiated against a social media user who claimed to have provided training to Ece Gürel. Within the scope of this investigation conducted by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a person named Hale Ö. was detained on charges of "publicly disseminating misleading information," "qualified fraud," and "violation of the Tax Procedure Law." After her statement, Hale Ö. was released under judicial control with a "ban on traveling abroad."

The judicial process and investigation regarding Ece Gürel's death are continuing in a multi-faceted manner.