British man, 33, dies in Turkey after travelling for teeth whitening treatment

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
  • Tributes to Mr Molloy have been made as his family try to bring his body home  

A 33-year-old British man has died after travelling to Turkey for teeth whitening treatment, while two of his friends remain in hospital.

Richard Molloy from Belfast 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 the DJ’s death but it is understood the three men were 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, (back) from Belfast, died on Saturday after travelling to Marmaris for dental work, while his two friends Declan Carson (left) and Aaron Callaghan (right) were 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.’

Mr Carson, a dad-of-two, and Mr Callaghan are reportedly in comas but their condition has now improved.

North Belfast Sinn Fein MP John Finucane, who has spoken to the three families, said the ‘absolutely heartbreaking’ tragedy had affected ‘three fit and healthy young lads’. 

Aaron Callaghan, one of the men still in hospital, is a former player for St James’ Swifts Football Club

Aaron Callaghan, one of the men still in hospital, is a former player for St James’ Swifts Football Club

 

He said: ‘The community of North Belfast will rally around the families of those affected and do all that we can to provide support to them at this time of great difficulty.

‘I will be making immediate contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs to request all the necessary support be urgently put in place to assist the families.’

The SDLP deputy mayor of Belfast Paul McCusker, described the tragedy as ‘worrying and devastating’. 

He said: ‘Worrying and devastating news coming from Turkey regarding three local North Belfast men. 

‘At this stage we know one male has died and two others are critical. As a North Belfast community all our thoughts and prayers are with you all including the familes.’

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

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

Aaron Callaghan, one of the men still in hospital, is a former player for St James’ Swifts Football Club.

The club’s Twitter page wrote: ‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to former first team player Aaron Callaghan today.

‘Everyone at the club are thinking of you during this time and we have both you (and) your friends within our hearts.’

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Turkey and we are in contact with the Turkish authorities.’

The Irish Government said: ‘We are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.’ 

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