A popular former teacher at Goldington Academy has died following complications during a trip to Turkey for a hair transplant.
Martyn Latchman, 38, the former assistant head teacher at Goldington Academy, had travelled to the Cinik Clinic in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul at the end of July to have follow-up treatment to a previous procedure.
His death occurred last week during preparation for a five-hour hair transplant operation.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Mr Latchman had previously had successful surgery at the clinic and was returning for a follow-up procedure.
The Bedford Independent contacted Dr Cinik for a comment. Their spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we are not in a position to disclose any information. Thank you for your understanding.”
Misinformation
However, in a statement to The Guardian, Dr Cinik said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of a patient who had travelled to the clinic in July 2024 for a second hair transplant, having previously been pleased with the results of an earlier procedure.
According to Dr Cinik, all standard medical checks, including blood tests, a chest X-ray, and an ECG, were carried out under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery.
“However, before the hair transplant procedure began and during the preparatory phase, the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown,” he said.
Staff provided immediate medical intervention, and the man was taken to a fully equipped university hospital, but he later died despite intensive care treatment.
The clinic, which has performed more than 70,000 procedures, has said they have submitted all relevant documentation to the authorities and says the matter is now the subject of a judicial investigation.
Dr Cinik also criticised what he called “incorrect” reports in some media.
“Unfortunately, much of the information circulating in the media does not reflect the truth,” he said. “Claims suggesting that the patient passed away during the procedure or that the operation was interrupted midway are incorrect.
“The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun. Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time.”
According to a report by the Khaama Press News Agency, Turkish authorities have launched an investigation on suspicion of “involuntary manslaughter.”
Legacy
Mr Latchman worked in the computer science department at Goldington Academy for eight years, eventually becoming assistant head teacher.
Previously, he had worked at St Thomas More and Sharnbrook Academy.
He left Goldington Academy last December to take up a position with a private defence contractor in Northamptonshire.
Former Goldington Academy pupil, Urban Judge, wrote in a post on Instagram that Mr Latchman had been his mentor, helping to lay the groundwork for launching YouthTV.
In the post, Urban wrote: “More than a teacher, Mr Latchman wasn’t one for fame or glory. He just got on with the job and rarely sought the spotlight.
“His humour, professionalism and generosity left a lasting mark. Thank you, Mr Latchman. Your legacy lives on in every show, broadcast and student you inspired.”
