Didim Today

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a former Swadlincote man who was living his dream life in Altinkum Didim Turkey. Robert Slack, 61, died after being involved in a collision with a Fiat Doblo car on the Ataturk Bulvari which is on the way to Altinkum Beach. Mr Slack suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Didim State Hospital. He was later transferred to Soke State Hospital where he died soon after.

It is understood that Mr Slack was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and dint had any protection gears.  He was living in Altinkum for long time and his family will need to apply to the British Consulate, in Izmir, to return his body to England.

Mr Slack’s eldest brother, John, of Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote, said the local Burton News "accident was ‘tragic’ and that the family were too upset to comment at this time. One of the tributes paid on the some Turkish  websites, posted by ‘Biker Bob’, said: “A terrible loss. I am a very experienced biker and, after renting a bike once in Turkey, decided to not import my motorcycle as it’s far too dangerous. “People mentioned not to harp on about the fact that he didn’t wear a helmet.

Sure we all make choices but, that’s why governments have to step up to the plate and make laws such as helmet laws “His little dog will be heartbroken, he won’t understand where his daddy is and why he left him. I really feel bad for Rob’s friends and family and hope they get through this without too much heartache.”

Some other posts and another messages posted by his friends, Joy and Steve, said: “It’s so sad. His little dog will be lost without him, as he took him everywhere with him, RIP Rob, love Joy and Steve x.” Another friend, Phil Johns, said: “Rob RIP. He was a very nice chap, always ready to lend a hand to his fellow expats.”