Avalanche at Palandöken Ski Resort Kills 16-Year-Old Judo Athlete Emre Yazgan, Injures 3 Others

Dec 21, 2024, 08:27 AM

An avalanche occurred on December 21, 2024, at the Palandöken ski resort in Erzurum, Turkey, during a high-altitude training camp for the national judo team. The incident resulted in the death of a 16-year-old judoka, Emre Yazgan, while three other athletes sustained minor injuries. Rescue teams were able to save four individuals trapped under the snow. Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed the fatalities and injuries, and the Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, expressed condolences to Yazgan's family. The avalanche struck as the team was climbing in the Sultan Seki area of the mountain.