A former European beauty queen died after falling from a bridge onto a highway while allegedly evading police in Turkey.
Güler Erdogan, aged 27, who had previously held the Miss Europe-Kosovo title, fell approximately 50 feet from an overpass in Giresun, Turkey, on April 1, 2025.
As reported by local media, Erdogan was celebrating Eid with her family in her hometown. Later, she continued the festivities at a nightclub with friends. While driving home, she was stopped at a police checkpoint where officers conducted a breathalyzer test.
Her blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.17%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.05% in Turkey. Fearing the repercussions, Erdogan reportedly left her vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
While moving towards a nearby overpass, Erdogan lost her footing and fell onto the six-lane highway below. She was subsequently hit by an oncoming vehicle. Despite the emergency response involving multiple police and ambulance vehicles, medical personnel were unable to save her life. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Turkish authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the precise series of events leading to Erdogan’s death.
The area was temporarily closed to traffic while authorities processed the scene and conducted their initial investigation.
Erdogan had cultivated a significant social media presence as a model and influencer, with 56,000 followers on Instagram. After her death, all previous posts were removed, leaving a statement from her family contesting some aspects of the reported narrative.
“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 clarified which details they believe are incorrect in the media reports.
Erdogan’s modeling career included winning the Miss Europe-Kosovo title and securing contracts with several major brands. Her unexpected death has left fans and industry colleagues sharing tributes online.
The incident occurred on an overpass spanning a major six-lane highway in Giresun, a city on Turkey’s Black Sea coast about 425 miles east of Istanbul. Known for its hazelnut production and coastal landscapes, Giresun was Erdogan’s hometown, where she had been visiting family.
Before the checkpoint encounter, Erdogan had been celebrating Ramadan Eid (Eid al-Fitr) with her family, a significant religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan. After family celebrations, she spent the evening with friends at a local nightclub before attempting to drive home.
Road safety and alcohol regulations are strictly enforced in Turkey, where the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05% is lower than in many other countries. Turkish authorities implement regular checkpoints, especially during holiday periods like Eid, to ensure compliance with traffic laws and reduce incidents during celebration periods.
