British Tourist Dies After Being Struck Twice by Car in Turkey

A British woman has tragically lost her life after being struck twice by a car allegedly driven by a drunk driver in Fethiye, Turkey. The incident involved Lisa Di Palma, aged 61, who was celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband, Keith Di Palma, when she was hit while using a pedestrian crossing on August 6, 2024. Reports indicate that Lisa sustained severe injuries, leading to her death early the following morning in a local hospital.

The couple, hailing from Hornchurch in east London, was enjoying a holiday in the popular tourist destination when the accident occurred. Keith recounted the harrowing details of the incident, stating that after Lisa was first struck, the driver attempted to flee the scene and hit her a second time. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene on Cahit Beğenç Boulevard in the Foça neighbourhood, where bystanders rushed to assist Lisa after the initial impact.

CCTV footage captured the moment a silver car struck her, followed by the driver speeding away. Three men intervened, managing to push the car off Lisa and confronting the driver, who was later apprehended by the police. According to Turkish newspaper Nefes Gazetesi, the driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Investigation and Family Support

An investigation into the incident has been initiated, and the driver is currently in custody at Esen Prison. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed their support for the Di Palma family during this difficult time and their communication with local authorities.

Before her passing, Lisa had shared a heartfelt message on social media, celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary. She wrote, “Happy 36th Anniversary to the one I am proud to call my husband… here’s to many more happy years together.” Keith has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his wife, describing himself as “a broken man” while also emphasizing the need to remain strong for their family.

Impact on the Community

The Di Palma family has been closely associated with the Tigers Junior Football Club in east London for over two decades, showcasing their commitment to community engagement. Their tragic experience has raised awareness about road safety, particularly in tourist areas.

Turkey remains a favored holiday destination for British tourists, attracting approximately 4.4 million UK visitors in 2024, ranking it as the eighth most popular location for British holidaymakers. The increase in visitor numbers year on year highlights the appeal of Turkey, even as incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety.

As the community mourns the loss of Lisa Di Palma, her family continues to seek answers in the aftermath of this tragic event.