Preliminary autopsy report for Ece Gürel released: Numerous ticks found on her body

The preliminary autopsy report for 36-year-old landscape architect Ece Gürel, who was found in a rugged forested area at 01:15 on March 6 and passed away at Maslak Acibadem Hospital, has been released following the completion of procedures at the Council of Forensic Medicine.

The report stated that radiological examinations performed on Gürel did not detect any metallic object images that could indicate a gunshot wound.

The report noted that an external examination revealed numerous ecchymoses and abrasions on various parts of her body, likely caused by brush and falls, but no significant traumatic evidence that could have caused death was detected.

The report stated that during the autopsy, numerous ticks were found on various parts of Gürel's body, and the results of microbiological examinations for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever were negative.

It was noted that the autopsy revealed findings consistent with hemorrhage and shock, likely resulting from multi-organ failure in the subcutaneous tissues, soft tissues, and organs, as well as findings in her stomach consistent with exposure to cold (hypothermia).

The report stated that no findings consistent with acute sexual assault were detected during the internal body examination, and that biological, toxicological, and histopathological samples were taken from Gürel during the autopsy.

The preliminary autopsy report stated that based on the findings from the radiological imaging, death examination, and autopsy procedures, it is currently assessed that Gürel's death resulted from exposure to cold (hypothermia) and subsequent complications; however, a definitive conclusion regarding the cause of death will be provided following laboratory analysis of the samples taken during the autopsy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Gürel went missing after leaving her home in the Gültepe neighborhood of Kağıthane on Sunday, March 2, stating she was going to the Belgrade Forest for a walk. Following a report by her relatives, a large-scale search operation was launched in the forest with the participation of numerous search and rescue teams.

Gürel's mobile phone and some personal belongings were found on March 4 during the search operations conducted in the Belgrade Forest.

As a result of the teams' 4-day search, Gürel was found in a rugged forested area at 01:15 the night before last and was taken to the intensive care unit of Maslak Acibadem Hospital, where she passed away despite all interventions.

Gürel's funeral was held today at the Güneşli Central Mosque in Bağcılar following the afternoon prayer, and she was laid to rest at the Kocasinan Cemetery.