Türkiye is grieving the untimely passing of Serkan Toprak, a distinguished member of the Free Diving National Team, who tragically succumbed at the age of 45. The unfortunate incident occurred during a routine breathing exercise in the Menteşe district of Muğla, located in the southwestern region of the country.
Toprak, hailing from Balıkesir in the northwest, had journeyed to Menteşe’s Yenice Neighborhood to celebrate the Eid holiday with his family, including his daughter, Toprak Toprak, who shares his passion for diving. It was during these exercises that Toprak collapsed unexpectedly.
Despite prompt medical attention from paramedics and transport to Muğla Training and Research Hospital, Toprak’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he tragically passed away despite the exhaustive efforts of medical professionals.
A seasoned diver, Toprak’s dedication to his sport extended beyond competition. In 2019, during a diving excursion near Assos, he demonstrated remarkable humanity by alerting authorities to a boat carrying 30 illegal immigrants bound for Lesbos Island in Greece. Recognizing the imminent danger posed by the overloaded vessel, Toprak took swift action to aid in the rescue effort alongside the Coast Guard.
In a heartfelt tribute to her father, Toprak Toprak fondly remembered him, saying, “My dear father, may your place be heaven. You will always remain my champion.”
Serkan Toprak’s passing leaves a void in the diving community and beyond, as his legacy of sportsmanship and compassion lives on in the hearts of those he touched.