International Olympic Committee Saddened By 24-Year-Old's Death
03/27/2025 07:36 PM
The Olympic world, the skiing world and the sports world in general were saddened today by the sudden, tragic death of 24-year-old Olympian Berkin Usta in a horrifying fire at a hotel in Turkey today.
Usta, his father and others were either killed or injured when a fire broke out at the Kervansaray Hotel in Uludag, Turkey. According to reports, the hotel had been closed due to its permits being revoked and authorities are trying to figure out why they were there under those circumstances.
"We conducted an inspection of this hotel in January. We identified deficiencies and shared them with the relevant institutions," Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey said in a statement. "There was information that the hotel was closed. It is being investigated why there were 12 people inside. If this is negligence, it must be revealed."
But while the authorities investigate, family and loved ones will pray.
In a statement, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach offered thoughts and prayers from the organization. Bach highlighted Usta being able to live his Olympic dream at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, China.
"We have learned about the tragic death of Turkish Olympic skier Berkin Usta, and his father, in a terrible fire. Berkin lived his Olympic dream by competing at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 in Alpine skiing. Our thoughts are with their family and friends," Bach said.
We have learned about the tragic death of Turkish Olympic skier Berkin Usta, and his father, in a terrible fire. Berkin lived his Olympic dream by competing at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 in Alpine skiing. Our thoughts are with their family and friends. – IOC President…
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 27, 2025
Former Olympians Shimon Sharif and Nadia Comaneci took to the comments and offered their sympathies to the family after this terrible tragedy:
"Deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Berkin Usta lived his Olympic dream, and his legacy will be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," Sharif wrote.
"RIP," wrote another.
Usta was a star alpine skier who had been skiing since he was only two years old.
His father, Yahya, was also a former skier and was serving as the president of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association.
Our hearts go out to Berkin Usta, Yahya Usta, their family and loved ones.
Related: Prayers Pouring In For Family Of Olympic Skier After Tragic Fire
