A former European beauty queen died after falling from a bridge onto a highway in Turkey, reportedly while trying to evade police.
Güler Erdogan, age 27 and a previous Miss Europe-Kosovo titleholder, fell approximately 50 feet from an overpass in Giresun, Turkey, on April 1, 2025.
According to local reports, Erdogan had initially celebrated Eid with her family in her hometown. She later went to a nightclub with friends. While driving home, she was stopped at a police checkpoint where a breathalyzer test was administered.
The test showed Erdogan’s blood alcohol concentration at 0.17%, which is over three times Turkey’s legal limit of 0.05%. Out of concern for the consequences, Erdogan reportedly left her vehicle and fled on foot.
As Erdogan ran toward a nearby overpass, she lost her balance and fell onto the six-lane highway below. She was subsequently hit by a car. Despite video footage showing an extensive emergency response with police and ambulances at the scene, medical personnel were unable to save her, and she was declared dead at the scene.
Turkish police have initiated an investigation to understand the events that led to Erdogan’s death.
The area was closed temporarily to allow authorities to investigate the scene.
Erdogan was a model and influencer with 56,000 followers on Instagram. After her death, her social media accounts were cleared, leaving only a family statement disputing reports about the incident.
“Do not believe the false news and information regarding the death of our daughter, sister, and friend Güler Erdoğan,” the statement reads. “Our sister lost her life as a result of a tragic accident. As her family, we were by her side at the time of the incident.”
The family has not pointed out which specific details they believe are incorrect.
Erdogan’s modeling career included winning the Miss Europe-Kosovo title and working with several major brands. Her unexpected death has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues.
The incident took place on an overpass above a major six-lane highway in Giresun, located on Turkey’s Black Sea coast about 425 miles east of Istanbul. Giresun is known for its hazelnut production and coastal scenery, and it was Erdogan’s hometown where she had been visiting family.
Before being stopped at the checkpoint, Erdogan had been observing Ramadan Eid, also known as Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday marking the end of Ramadan. After family celebrations, she continued the evening at a nightclub with friends before attempting to drive home.
Turkey enforces strict road safety and alcohol regulations, with a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05%. Authorities frequently set up checkpoints, especially during holidays like Eid, to ensure traffic safety, aiming to reduce incidents during celebration periods.
