What was meant to be a typical day outdoors ended in the most unthinkable way for Ozgur Gevrekoglu, a 32-year-old man from Turkey who died in an incident so rare and bizarre it left many stunned. During a hunting expedition in the Kizlan Plateau, located in the Samsun Province, Ozgur was reportedly shot at point-blank range — not by another hunter, nor by any assailant — but by his own pet dog.
Gevrekoglu had spent the day surrounded by friends in what should have been a peaceful escape into nature. According to reports, the day itself had gone by without issue. It wasn’t until the group began packing up to return home that things took a horrific turn. While loading up the car, Ozgur was said to be lifting his dog into the back of the vehicle, when the dog’s paw inadvertently made contact with the trigger of a loaded shotgun resting nearby. The gun discharged instantly.
The blast struck Ozgur directly in the abdomen, causing massive trauma. Despite the frantic rush to get him to Alaçam State Hospital, medical staff were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The initial account of the incident has prompted both heartbreak and disbelief, with many trying to wrap their heads around how such a tragedy could occur. While official sources confirm the details, some Turkish media outlets have raised questions — suggesting that the story may be more complex than it appears on the surface. These speculative voices hint at potential foul play, insinuating that blaming the dog may be a way to disguise human error or a more sinister truth.
So far, no hard evidence has emerged to challenge the account given by the surviving witnesses. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the full scope of the events, but for now, the incident is still being officially regarded as a freak accident — one of those exceedingly rare, almost unbelievable cases where the unexpected becomes real.
What makes the story even more poignant is that Ozgur had just become a father mere days before his death. Friends and family are now grieving not only the shocking nature of his passing but the cruel timing of it — a man stepping into new fatherhood, taken from his loved ones in a moment so random, so unfathomable, that it borders on surreal.
On his social media profiles, Gevrekoglu frequently posted images that revealed his deep passion for the outdoors. In many of them, he proudly posed alongside hunting dogs and game birds, clearly someone who found joy and fulfillment in nature and the tradition of hunting. His connection with animals — especially his dogs — was evident in his online presence, making the circumstances of his death feel even more tragically ironic.
One of his final posts depicted him smiling with a loyal canine by his side, game in hand — the image of a man living a life he loved, immersed in his element. That same passion, tragically, was entwined in the events that led to his untimely end.
Though rare, Gevrekoglu’s story isn’t entirely without precedent. Similar accidents involving dogs and firearms have been documented globally. In New Mexico, a hunter was shot in the back by his dog during a jackrabbit hunt. In Tennessee, another man sustained an injury after his dog jumped onto his bed, accidentally triggering a loaded weapon. These incidents, while extremely uncommon, highlight the unpredictable dangers that can arise when loaded firearms and animals are in close proximity.
Experts in firearm safety continue to urge all gun owners, especially those participating in outdoor recreational activities with animals, to be vigilant. The importance of keeping weapons unloaded or with safety locks engaged cannot be overstated, particularly during moments of transition — like packing up gear, when attention may waver. A simple lapse in caution can lead to irreversible consequences.
Ozgur Gevrekoglu’s passing has sent ripples through his local community and beyond. He’s remembered as a dedicated outdoorsman, an animal lover, and a man who had just stepped into the powerful and joyful role of being a father. His story, tragic as it is, now stands as a grim reminder of how quickly life can change — and the dire importance of treating firearms with the highest level of care and respect.
