06.01.2026 12:21
In the initial examination of the vehicle belonging to Elif Kumal, which was pulled from the pond, it was determined that the front tires were flat, the gear was in P, the handbrake was engaged, and the window was slightly open. It was also confirmed that the previously found oil pan protection piece belonged to the vehicle, while the investigation related to the incident is ongoing.
Elif Kumal, a 33-year-old woman who went missing while camping in the Kapıdağ Peninsula, connected to the Erdek district of Balıkesir, was found dead in her car at Yukarıyapıcı Pond after 8 days of search efforts. Following the incident, the vehicle retrieved from the pond was taken for examination.
PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY: CAUSE OF DEATH DROWNING
The preliminary autopsy report of Kumal recorded the cause of death as "drowning." The report indicated that no traces of bullets or sharp objects were found on her body.
INITIAL FINDINGS IN THE VEHICLE EMERGED
Initial examinations of the car retrieved from the pond revealed significant findings. Accordingly;
- The front tires were flat,
- The gear was in the park (P) position,
- The handbrake was engaged,
- The driver's window was slightly open,
- It was observed that the driver's airbag had not deployed, but the curtain side airbags had been activated.
PART OF THE CARTEL PROTECTION WAS FOUND TO BELONG TO THE VEHICLE
It was confirmed that the lower guard (cartel protection) piece found on the shore of the pond during the first days of the search efforts also belonged to Elif Kumal's vehicle. Additionally, gray plastic parts belonging to the front bumper protection, which were stated to have been added to the vehicle later, were also found on the shore of the pond during the search days.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
It has not yet been clarified whether the vehicle was found at the scene in this condition or if it was brought to this position during the retrieval by divers. It was reported that the investigation into Elif Kumal's suspicious death is ongoing.
WAS FAREWELLED TO HER LAST JOURNEY YESTERDAY
Elif Kumal was buried in the village cemetery in the Doğa neighborhood of Bandırma district. It was noted that Kumal's mother, Aynur Kumal, struggled to stand, while her brother, İbrahim Kumal, received condolences. It was learned that her boyfriend, Enis G., who was taken into custody, was released.