Grieving mother, 46, takes her own life after 20-year-old daughter dies from botched gastric band surgery in Turkey
Erin Gibson, 46, took her own life two days after an inquest into the death of her daughter, Morgan Ribeiro, was due to be held. Morgan, a 20-year-old nursery worker, died in January 2024 after travelling to Istanbul for gastric sleeve surgery, having paid just £2,500 compared with the £8,000–£10,000 such an operation typically costs in the UK. Her father, Richard Ribeiro, said the grief of losing Morgan combined with the strain of pursuing accountability had ultimately caused Erin's death as well, describing her as the industry's "latest victim".
The inquest, originally listed for 27 May, was adjourned because coroners could not trace the surgeon, Dr Serkan Bayil, and eventually took place on 4 September, concluding Morgan died of peritonitis caused by a ruptured intestinal wall linked to the surgery. Morgan had been cleared to fly home despite abdominal pain and fever, but her condition worsened mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Belgrade, where she died in intensive care. Mr Ribeiro said he had gone to collect Erin for the inquest on the morning it was originally scheduled but received no response, and police later confirmed her body had been found; he said the family still has no closure and criticised the continued advertising of cheap cosmetic surgery abroad.
In short
- Mother took her own life after daughter's Turkey surgery death
- Morgan Ribeiro, 20, died from gastric sleeve surgery complications in 2024
- Inquest was delayed for months as surgeon couldn't be traced
Explained simply
Medical tourism is when people travel abroad for treatment, sometimes because it costs less than in their home country. Weight-loss surgery, including gastric sleeve operations, reduces the size of the stomach and can involve serious risks; patients may also need follow-up care after returning home.
Morgan Ribeiro was a 20-year-old nursery worker who travelled from the UK to Istanbul for surgery. Her parents, Erin Gibson and Richard Ribeiro, sought answers about the care she received, including decisions made before she was cleared to fly home.
The case raises questions about how patients can assess treatment offered abroad and who is responsible when complications arise across countries. It also shows how bereavement and the effort to seek answers can affect families.