21-year-old national boxer dies in traffic accident

A tragic traffic accident in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri has claimed the life of a 21-year-old national kick boxer, who bagged a gold medal in the European Championship and held several Turkish national titles.

A car carrying Buket Kaya on Oct. 22 at around 11:30 p.m. rear-ended a truck in Kayseri's Melikgazi district.

Paramedics and police teams dispatched to the collision area determined that Kaya died at the scene, and the drivers of both vehicles were injured, while the Kayseri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Local media reports highlighted that Kaya had secured a gold medal at the 2019 Wushu Kung Fu European Championship held in Moscow, Russia. She also earned the title of Balkan Champion in October of the previous year. The reports noted that Kaya achieved numerous national championships in Türkiye as well.

"Our club has learned with profound sadness that our national athlete Buket Kaya lost her life in a tragic traffic accident. We extend our condolences to her grieving family, loved ones, and the sports community. May her soul rest in peace," Kayseri Sports Inc. said in a written statement.