17.11.2025 20:49
In the case regarding the avalanche that occurred on December 21, 2024, on Mount Palandöken, resulting in the death of one athlete and injuries to four others, club manager Galip Ş. denied the allegations. It was notable that coach B.M. did not attend the hearing related to the incident.
On December 21, 2024, in the Sultan Seki area of Erzurum Palandöken Mountain, the death of an athlete and the injury of 4 athletes due to an avalanche led to the identification of club manager Galip Ş. as at fault, who denied the charges against him in the first hearing. The responsible coach B.M. did not attend the hearing.
16-YEAR-OLD ATHLETE LOST HIS LIFE
The incident occurred on December 21, 2024, in the Sultan Seki area of Palandöken Mountain. While 14 athletes from the National Judo Team were training in the Sultan Seki region during a high-altitude camp, an avalanche occurred. Health and rescue teams were dispatched to the area upon notification. Emre Yazgan (16), one of the athletes trapped under the snow mass, lost his life, and 4 athletes were injured. The investigation initiated by the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the incident has been completed. A public lawsuit was filed against club manager Galip Ş. and responsible coach B.M. for the crime of 'causing the death of a person by negligence.'
GAVE A STATEMENT VIA SEGBİS
The trial began at the Erzurum 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. The hearing was attended by Emre Yazgan's father Fatih Yazgan, mother Gülcan Yazgan, the defendant Galip Ş., and the lawyers of the parties. Galip Ş., who connected to the hearing via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS), stated that he had no responsibility regarding the incident and that the responsibility belonged to the Erzurum Turkey Olympic Preparation Center (TOHM).
DID NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
Galip Ş. said, "This camp was held every year. They asked, 'Will you hold the camp this year as well?' I spoke with the head coach, and he said the camp would be beneficial. I received the camp list, and after getting it approved by the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, we sent it to the Judo Federation with a cover letter. They also received approval from the ministry. The decision for the camp was sent to both Erzurum and Kocaeli provincial directorates. After the athletes went to Erzurum, the responsibility lies with the TOHM team of that province. The responsible manager of the Erzurum TOHM building is authorized regarding the place where the athletes will train. I have no responsibility or guilt. I do not know why I am included in the case as a defendant; I do not understand the expert report either," he said.
'THOSE RESPONSIBLE SHOULD BE PUNISHED'
Fatih Yazgan, the father who participated in the hearing via SEGBİS from Gebze, requested that those responsible be punished so that such a tragic event does not happen to other athletes. Mother Gülcan Yazgan also stated that she did not know who was at fault, that she was a complainant, and that she wanted the culprits to be punished.
'I PERFORMED CPR FOR 10 MINUTES'
A member of the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) who attended the court explained that they started search and rescue operations in an orderly manner upon arriving at the scene. The JAK officer stated that they first found Emre Yazgan by his feet, then checked his pulse but could not find one, and performed CPR for about 10 minutes. They then realized that the area was dangerous and carried him to the ambulance waiting in the area on a stretcher.
After the statements, the court panel ordered the forcible bringing of the responsible coach B.M., who did not attend the hearing. The panel also decided to hear the defendant and witnesses again and adjourned the hearing.