19.06.2026 09:31
Murat Özel, a staff member of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, who went to Mount Aziz Abdal in Tunceli to pick mushrooms and was unreachable until the evening hours, was found dead as a result of search operations conducted by teams. While initial assessments focus on the possibility of a heart attack, it was announced that the exact cause of death will be determined through an autopsy.
Murat Özel, a Nature Conservation and National Parks staff member who went to the mountains in Tunceli to collect mushrooms and was unreachable for a long time, was found dead as a result of search efforts by teams. The exact cause of Özel's death will be determined after an autopsy.
SEARCH BEGAN WHEN HE DID NOT RETURN BY EVENING
The incident occurred on Aziz Abdal Mountain near Çıralı village, central Tunceli. Murat Özel (53), working at the Tunceli branch of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP), went to his village on his day off and set out for the mountains in the morning to collect mushrooms. When his relatives could not reach him by evening, they notified the 112 Emergency Call Center.
TEAMS WERE MOBILIZED
Upon the report, military police, AFAD, Munzur Search and Rescue Association (MUDAK), and medical teams were dispatched to the area. Extensive efforts were carried out to reach Murat Özel during the search conducted in the mountainous and rugged terrain.
After hours of work by the teams, Murat Özel's lifeless body was found.
HEART ATTACK POSSIBILITY BEING CONSIDERED
After the on-site examination, Özel's body was taken to the morgue of Tunceli State Hospital to determine the exact cause of death.
While initial assessments suggest a possible heart attack, authorities stated that the exact cause of death will be clarified after an autopsy.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Officials have launched an investigation into the incident, and all possibilities regarding Murat Özel's death are being evaluated.