Was a Body Really Lost on the Turkish Airlines Flight?

As we reported yesterday morning in our exclusive news, the claims circulating in foreign sources are not true — the deceased passenger’s body was not lost. Here are the details⤵️

🔴 First, what happened?

On July 13, during Turkish Airlines flight #TK79 from Istanbul to San Francisco, a passenger tragically passed away mid-flight. HavaSosyalMedya was the first to report the incident and that the aircraft diverted to Chicago O’Hare Airport.

In recent days, various U.S. and international media outlets have claimed that the deceased passenger’s body went missing — and unfortunately, some highly reputable platforms picking up this claim led many to believe it was true.

🔴 So what actually happened?

A passenger named Satyanarayana Pasupuleti, an Indian national, reportedly suffered a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest during the flight. Despite efforts by two doctors onboard, he could not be revived.

The plane diverted to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for refueling.

🔴 According to USA Today, Turkish Airlines officials confirmed that — with the approval of Pasupuleti’s family and relevant authorities — the flight continued on to San Francisco. After landing, the crew and family members of the deceased gave statements. Once the legal procedures concluded, the passengers were allowed to leave the airport.

🔴 Christy Canclini from the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office in San Francisco told USA Today that Pasupuleti’s remains are currently in their custody and that no further information about the cause of death could be shared at this time.

🔴 Previous claims in some media outlets suggesting that “the body was lost” have now been debunked by statements from the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office. Since San Francisco International Airport is mostly within San Mateo County, the investigative authority belongs to that office.