Milton Keynes Man Dies Before Surgery at Celebrity Clinic: What Went Horribly Wrong?

When 38‑year‑old Martyn Latchman booked his return trip to Istanbul’s renowned Dr. Cinik clinic for a second hair transplant, he expected a little more confidence—maybe even a fresh new look. Instead, what followed shattered his family’s world, sparked an international investigation, and raised alarming questions about the booming medical tourism industry.

 A Routine Surgery Turns Fatal—Before It Even Started

According to statements from Dr. Cinik clinic, Martyn fell gravely ill during the preparation phase—before any surgical grafting had begun. He had been cleared by anaesthesiologists following “all necessary medical evaluations” including blood work, ECG, and chest X‑ray, just as he had been before his first, successful procedure last summer . Shockingly, as he was being prepped, Martyn “unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown,” the clinic said. Despite rushing him to a nearby university hospital and continuous intensive care, he died later that very day .

Who Was Martyn Latchman?

A former assistant headteacher and head of computer science at Goldington Academy in Bedford, Martyn had a 16‑year career dedicated to education. In 2024, he pivoted careers and became a defence contractor—a change that friends say mirrored his adventurous spirit. Described by those who knew him as disciplined, athletic, and inspiring, he regularly ran 10Ks and worked out in gyms—and supporters online remember him as a true motivator .

From London to Istanbul—Why Turkey?

Medical tourism to Turkey has exploded in recent years thanks to drastically lower prices compared to the UK. A hair transplant in Turkey typically costs around £1,500—often less than half of what it would cost in British clinics . Martyn had previously had a successful transplant at Dr. Cinik’s clinic and returned expecting a repeat experience. The clinic boasts celebrity clientele such as former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, Ivan Rakitić, Djibril Cissé, and Rivaldo, with over 50,000 (or as some sources claim, over 70,000) surgeries completed .

The Clinic’s Response—Denied Misreporting, Expressed Sorrow

Dr. Cinik issued a statement expressing deep sadness. They emphasized Martyn’s prior clearance during prep and insisted that his death occurred before the procedure began, countering initial reports claiming a collapse mid‑surgery . All relevant medical records have been submitted to Turkish authorities, and the clinic is cooperating fully with the ongoing judicial investigation .

What’s the Investigation Focused On?

Turkish police launched a formal inquiry into Martyn’s death. Some media outlets in the UK have even described the probe as potentially involving “reckless homicide,” and clinic staff—including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses—have reportedly been questioned about what happened and how the patient collapsed . Health authorities are awaiting results of the autopsy, which have yet to be made public .

Why This Matters: More Than One Isolated Tragedy

Martyn’s death comes amid rising scrutiny of international cosmetic surgery tourism. Turkey alone accounts for roughly 60% of the global hair transplant market, with more than a million people annually traveling there seeking aesthetic procedures . But safety concerns emerge regularly—in the past year, Britons like Anne Towlson died after cosmetic surgeries in Istanbul, while others like Luke Horsfield were left with scarred or failed results after procedures that promised “cutting‑edge care” .

“Too Young,” Say Family & Friends

Online tributes flooded in. Martyn’s brother Yashley shared a touching photo from the gym, writing: “Rest in peace, my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation… Will miss u loads.” Others echoed the sentiment: “Too young,” “inspirational,” “dedicated teacher and dad”—all lost in a single, unexpected collapse .

The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Clinics

Despite glossy marketing, medical facilities abroad may not operate to the same regulatory standards that patients assume. Experts warn that language barriers, inconsistent oversight, and lower costs can mask serious risks. Martyn’s case is now being framed as a stark lesson: cosmetic savings may come with hidden dangers.

Was Martyn given too much pain medication pre‑op?
Did his blood tests miss a warning sign?
Were emergency protocols in place if something went wrong?

Investigators now aim to find out what truly caused the sudden collapse—and why a 38‑year‑old in good health died before the scalpel even touched his scalp.

Global Shockwave—Should You Ever Travel for Surgery?

Martyn’s tragic fate has ignited debate in the UK. British health advocates are calling for stricter guidance and transparency around overseas surgery, especially when clinics are advertising celebrity-treated credentials. The UK Foreign Office has stated it’s supporting Martyn’s family and liaising with the Turkish authorities throughout the legal process .

Final Moments — What Really Went Down?

July 28, 2025: Martyn arrives in Istanbul for a £1,500 hair transplant at Dr. Cinik clinic in Beşiktaş.
Preparations begin—blood sample, ECG, X-ray—all cleared.
Before surgery begins, Martyn becomes acutely unwell for unknown reasons.
He’s rushed to a local university hospital, admitted to ICU.
Despite several hours of emergency care, he passes away later that day.
 Investigation launched. Autopsy pending. Court case unfolding.

What’s Next?

As Martyn’s family awaits closure, the bigger picture is sobering: the lure of low-cost overseas cosmetic surgery comes with real risks. Now more than ever, prospective patients are urged to do deep research, check clinic credentials, understand legal protections, and consider whether cost-cutting is worth gambling with one’s life.