British Tourist, 61, Tragically Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver in Turkey

A British woman, Lisa Di Palma, has died after being struck twice by a car driven by an allegedly drunk driver while she was on holiday in Fethiye, Turkey. The incident occurred on August 6, 2023, as she and her husband, Keith Di Palma, celebrated their wedding anniversary. Lisa was on a pedestrian crossing when the accident took place, resulting in severe injuries to her hip and leg.

The couple was enjoying their time in the port city of Fethiye when the tragedy unfolded. According to reports, the driver initially hit Lisa while she was crossing Cahit Beğenç Boulevard. In an attempt to flee the scene, the driver allegedly struck her a second time, compounding her injuries. An image from the scene shows a man being escorted away by police, highlighting the serious nature of the incident.

After the accident, Lisa was rushed to a local hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries early in the morning on August 7. Her family has since traveled to Turkey to be with her during this difficult time. Keith described the heartbreaking moment and expressed his devastation over losing his wife.

On social media, Lisa had recently shared a touching tribute to their marriage, stating, “Happy 36th Anniversary to the one I am proud to call my husband, the one who picks me up when I am down and the one who is always there for me.” This poignant message adds to the tragedy of her untimely death, as the couple had intended to create more cherished memories during their holiday.

According to the Turkish newspaper Nefes Gazetesi, the driver was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The local authorities are investigating the case, and a spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed their support for the Di Palma family and their ongoing communication with local officials.

Turkey remains a popular destination for British tourists, attracting approximately 4.4 million visitors from the UK in 2024. This places Turkey as the eighth most sought-after location for UK holidaymakers, following countries like Spain, France, and Greece. Despite the popularity, incidents like this raise concerns about road safety for tourists abroad.

As investigations continue into this tragic accident, the community mourns the loss of a devoted wife and mother, highlighting the need for increased awareness regarding pedestrian safety and responsible driving.