Olympic Skier Berkin Usta and Father Perish in Tragic Ski Resort Fire

Turkish Olympic skier Berkin Usta, 24, tragically died alongside his father, Yahya Usta, in a fire at a ski resort hotel in northwest Turkey. The blaze occurred early Thursday morning at a hotel closed for guests. The incident highlights a series of fires affecting Turkish ski resorts this year.

Turkish Olympic skier Berkin Usta, 24, tragically lost his life in a fire at a ski resort hotel in northwest Turkey. His father, Yahya Usta, also perished in the early-morning blaze, according to the Turkey Ski Federation. The hotel was closed for guests when the fire broke out.

The loss of Berkin and his father, who served as the president of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers' Association, has deeply affected the skiing community. Berkin's mother, Fikriye, survived the devastating incident. Thomas Bach, the outgoing president of the International Olympic Committee, expressed his condolences, acknowledging Berkin's Olympic achievements.

This tragedy follows another fatal fire earlier in the year at the Kartalkaya ski resort, which resulted in 78 deaths and 51 injuries. The frequency of such incidents at ski resorts has raised concerns about safety measures and fire prevention protocols in Turkey's winter sports venues.

(With inputs from agencies.)