Hunter Dies in Freak Shooting Incident Involving His Own Dog in Turkey

A strange and tragic hunting accident in Turkey has drawn international attention after a man was reportedly killed by a gun discharged by his own dog. The incident, which happened over the weekend, has left many shocked and raised serious questions about firearm safety.

The victim, Ozgur Gevrekoglu, was 32 years old and had just returned from a hunting trip on the Kizlan Plateau in Turkey’s Samsun province.

According to local reports, he was packing up his gear and preparing to leave when the fatal moment occurred. His shotgun was still loaded and placed in the open trunk of his car.

Ozgur Gevrekoglu poses with a dog in an undated photo. He died in Alacam, Samsun, Turkey

As Gevrekoglu was loading equipment, his dog jumped into the trunk. Investigators believe the dog stepped on the trigger, causing the gun to fire directly toward its owner.

Gevrekoglu was struck at close range and died almost instantly. Emergency services transported his body to a local hospital before it was sent to the provincial capital for a post-mortem examination.

Authorities initially said there were no immediate signs of foul play.

Beyond the unusual circumstances, the human cost of the incident has struck a deeper chord. Gevrekoglu had become a father just ten days earlier. Friends and family described him as someone who loved the outdoors and cared deeply for his dogs.

The avid hunter was killed when one of his dogs supposedly stood on a shotgun lying in the boot of his car

Photos shared on social media show him smiling during hunting trips, often surrounded by animals he clearly trusted. That contrast has made the loss feel even more painful.

Not everyone, however, accepts the official explanation without question. Some Turkish media outlets have suggested the dog-trigger theory may not fully explain what happened.

A few reports have raised the possibility of a targeted killing, though no evidence supporting that claim has been made public. Because of these doubts, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of death.

Ozgur Gevrekoglu poses with a pair of birds and a shotgun in an undated photo

While the investigation continues, the case highlights a broader issue that reaches far beyond Turkey. Firearms, especially during hunting, demand constant care and strict safety practices.

A loaded weapon, even for a moment, can turn an ordinary situation into a deadly one.

For now, a young father is gone, a family is grieving, and many questions remain unanswered. Whether this was a tragic accident or something more, the story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can be lost.