Turkish authorities have opened a criminal investigation after a 35-year-old Canadian woman died shortly after undergoing cosmetic surgery in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya.
Jessika Chagnon Gailloux, a mother of four from Quebec, had traveled to Turkey for a tummy tuck and breast lift at a private hospital in Antalya’s Kepez district. She arrived in the country on March 2 and underwent the procedures following routine pre-operative checks. Her condition reportedly worsened soon after she was moved to her recovery room.
Medical teams attempted to stabilize her, but she was pronounced dead around 4 p.m. on March 7. Her body was transferred to the Antalya Forensic Medicine Institute, where a full autopsy and toxicology analysis are underway to determine the cause of death. Officials say results may take several weeks.
Police review hospital and possible contributing factors
Antalya police confirmed that crime scene investigators examined the hospital shortly after the incident. Initial assessments found no signs of external trauma beyond surgical stitching.
“Gailloux had no cuts, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds on her body other than surgical stitch marks related to the operation,” police said in a statement.
Investigators are reviewing her medical condition before surgery and her activities in the days leading up to the procedure. Authorities are also examining claims that Gailloux and a friend who accompanied her may have used narcotic substances prior to arriving in Turkey. Toxicology tests will help determine whether substances played any role in her death.
Officials have taken statements from the friend who traveled with her, and the prosecutor’s office is overseeing the inquiry.
Family and friends mourn loss
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Gailloux’s friend Ericka aims to support the four children she leaves behind. In her tribute, she described Gailloux as “an extraordinary woman and a deeply loving mother,” adding that her sudden death has left “a huge void” in the lives of those who knew her.
Medical tourism boom raises safety concerns
Turkey has become a major hub for medical tourism, drawing patients from Europe and North America seeking lower-cost cosmetic and medical procedures. Turkish health officials have repeatedly urged prospective patients to verify clinic credentials and ensure that hospitals hold proper licensing.
The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued an advisory after seven British nationals died following cosmetic procedures in Turkey last year, warning travelers to be cautious of clinics offering extremely low-priced operations. British Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also urged patients to think carefully before booking such treatments abroad.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities in Antalya have not yet announced the cause of Gailloux’s death. The case remains open pending autopsy and toxicology results, and investigators say all possibilities are being examined.
