Champion Turkish weightlifter Süleymanoğlu dies at 50

ISTANBUL

World and Olympic champion former Turkish weightlifter Naim Süleymanoğlu died on Nov. 18, at 50-years-old, after undergoing a liver transplant surgery on Oct. 6, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Süleymanoğlu was rushed into surgery for a liver transplant on Oct. 6 after finding a suitable donor.

Officials of the hospital had stated the surgery was performed successfully based on Süleymanoğlu’s initial signs of recovery.

The 50-year-old had been suffering with cirrhosis for a long time and went for treatment at the hospital on Sept. 25.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was also closely interested in Süleymanoğlu’s condition as he was transferred to another hospital for detailed examination after the president’s instructions.