Beauty Queen Tragically Died at 27 During Incident on a Bridge

A holiday visit turned tragic for the Turkish beauty queen whose final moments on a quiet April night have sparked shock and speculation.

Güler Erdoğan, the 27-year-old Miss Europe Kosovo, has died following a fatal incident that occurred in Giresun, Turkey, during the Ramadan Bayram holiday. Erdoğan had traveled to the area with her family when the events leading to her death unfolded on the night of April 1, 2025.

According to CNN Turk, Erdoğan reportedly left a nightclub and drove into a police checkpoint. Authorities discovered that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time. She then abandoned her vehicle and attempted to flee the area on foot.

During her escape, Erdoğan climbed onto a pedestrian overpass. She subsequently fell onto the road and suffered critical injuries. Emergency services arrived at the scene after witnesses raised the alarm. Sadly, she was pronounced dead following a medical examination.

An investigation has been opened into her death. Reports also stated that Erdoğan had been struggling with psychological issues and had previously attempted suicide.

Erdoğan was registered in the population records of Tirebolu, Giresun. After her passing, the only remaining post on Erdoğan's Instagram account was shared on April 4, 2025. Her display photo is now black.

The message on the post read, "Our daughter, sister, and friend Güler Erdoğan has sadly passed away. Please do not believe the false news and misinformation being circulated regarding her death. Our beloved one lost her life in a tragic accident. As her family, we were with her at the time of the incident."

Erdoğan was a model who participated in various events and fashion shows throughout her career. Her public social media activity had shown glimpses of her time in the spotlight.

In a June 2022 Facebook post, she appeared happy and confident while walking the ramp at the beauty pageant. After winning the Miss Europe Kosovo title, she posed with other contestants.

Outside her public life, Erdoğan also shared personal moments online. One photo showed her watching a sports game with her family, capturing a quieter side of her life.

Güler Erdoğan's passing marks the end of a young life spent in the spotlight. As investigations continue, her family has urged the public to avoid misinformation and respect the truth.

Just weeks earlier, another young woman's life had been cut short under equally heartbreaking circumstances. The Terry native was a sophomore track and field athlete at Belhaven University, where she excelled in sprinting and triple jumps.

Natalie Black passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 1. The 19-year-old athlete, known for her speed on the track and her kindness off it, died at home.

Black had competed earlier that day in her team's first outdoor meet of the season in Clinton before returning home to spend time with her family. After a tedious day on her feet, she fell asleep on the couch but never woke up.

Her mother, Formeka Black, has spoken out, recalling her daughter's excitement on the fateful day after achieving a triple jump record that surpassed her personal best. She divulged, "We had an amazing last day with her Saturday. From morning till night, we all had an amazing day with her… she was so happy!"

She added, "And later into the night, still celebrating with family, she simply laid on the couch for a little nap and never woke up. I THANK GOD. There was no suffering. HE gave us that much Grace!"

Black's sudden passing has left teammates, friends, and loved ones in shock. A native of Terry, Mississippi, she was a dedicated athlete and a source of encouragement to those around her, including the coaches who guided her behind the scenes.

Her warm spirit and infectious smile made a lasting impact on her community. In her honor, family, friends, and teammates gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Belhaven track, ensuring the light she brought to others continues to shine.

Belhaven University posted about her demise on Instagram, writing, "Belhaven University mourns the loss of sophomore student athlete Natalie Black."

The Belhaven University Track and Field/Cross Country team has also shared a heartfelt tribute after Black's death. The team remembered her as "someone who Loved the Lord and everyone around her."

They shared that Black embodied the spirit of compassion and camaraderie. This showed via her passion for her sport and the unwavering love she had for her family, friends, and teammates. "She was what the world needed, she was what Belhaven needed," the team penned.

They added more touching words about the athlete, "There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains. Natalie was that Light. She will forever be a part of the team, always in our hearts. Natalie's Contributions, Achievements, and Legacy will Continue to live on Forever!"

As they grieved, the team extended their deepest sympathies to Black's family, friends, and all touched by her welcoming spirit.

Black's mother thanked everyone for standing with their family as she recognized the overwhelming support from kin, friends, classmates, and the communities that had been part of her daughter's journey.

She was grateful to everyone who reached out, including coaches, professors, and Belhaven University parents who remembered them from move-in day.

She was especially touched by Black's teammates and friends who shared cherished photos and videos. "Y'all had answers I didn't know I needed!!" she declared.

Black's mom further added, "Please continue to lift us up in prayer. We need them. I'm trying to be strong for our Boys. Yet, they're being strong for me. I'm so glad we have each other to lean on when the other can't even stand. This reality has been a devastating blow to our family and we are taking things minute by minute."

Now, the grief-stricken mother and her family take comfort in knowing that Black's light will keep shining in the many lives she touched. She co-parented Black and her siblings with their father.

In a post on Facebook, she acknowledged her co-parent's crucial role and expressed gratitude for his unwavering presence and active involvement in their children's daily lives.

She clarified that their children's successes and achievements, including Black's, were not hers alone to claim. Instead, she credited God's grace and a strong co-parenting relationship for the positive impact on their lives.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.