# Istanbul unlicensed massage death investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-unlicensed-massage-death-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-20T07:21:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

A 42-year-old man, Berat Topay, died in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district following an unlicensed neck cracking and massage procedure performed by Şenol Karataş. The incident occurred on May 21, when Topay sought treatment for neck pain. Shortly after the procedure, Topay lost consciousness and was hospitalized in intensive care for 14 days before passing away on June 3.

Medical professionals initially determined that five blood clots had traveled to Topay’s brain. A subsequent autopsy report from the Forensic Medicine Institute confirmed widespread bleeding in the brain tissue and spinal cord, as well as clots in some vessels. The report also identified fractures in the sternum and the fourth right rib. While the report noted these injuries, it indicated that the neck vertebrae and major blood vessels remained intact.

Karataş, who holds a massage certification, was arrested and charged with “causing death by negligence” and “violating the law regarding the practice of medicine and its branches.” Karataş’s defense attorney maintains that the medical findings do not establish a direct link between the procedure and the death, noting that no vascular compression or skeletal abnormalities were identified that would prove causation.

## Claims

- The autopsy revealed hemorrhaging in the brain tissue and spinal cord. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The autopsy identified a fracture in the sternum and the fourth rib on the right side. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The victim's neck vertebrae and main blood vessels were found to be intact. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Defense attorney Ensar Ayata claims medical findings do not prove the death was caused by the massage or neck cracking. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Şenol Karataş was arrested on charges of causing death by negligence and practicing medicine without authorization. (single source)
- The suspect, Şenol Karataş, stated in court that he possesses a massage certificate. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Beyoğlu autopsy report released in massage-related death

An autopsy report reveals brain and spinal cord bleeding in Berat Topay, who died following a neck massage in Beyoğlu. The practitioner, Şenol Karataş, has been arrested for negligence.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-autopsy-report-released-in-neck-cracking-death

### 2026-09-09: Istanbul man dies after unlicensed neck cracking procedure

A man died in Istanbul after an unlicensed neck cracking procedure performed by an acquaintance. The suspect was arrested for negligence, prompting medical experts to warn against unauthorized maneuvers.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-man-dies-after-neck-cracking-procedure-in-beyolu

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Cite as: Istanbul unlicensed massage death investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-unlicensed-massage-death-investigation