Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Joe Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

A bridegroom who advised guests to wear face masks at his wedding because of the pandemic has died from a COVID-19 infection.

Tarik Kul, 28, said on the couple’s wedding invitation: “Let’s put on our masks for our health and keep a safe distance”.

Kul, who married his sweetheart Ilknur Kul on 18th July, died in hospital in the district of Kumru in the Turkish province of Ordu.

Kul fell ill last week and was taken to the Ordu State Hospital where a COVID-19 test came back positive.

Following a short battle with the virus, Kul, who reportedly did not have any underlying conditions, died in hospital.

The victim’s father Huseyin Kul said: “Words get stuck in my throat, God should not have given this pain to anyone. When he fell sick suddenly, we took him to hospital. He did not have any health problem until then.”

The father added: “I hope this virus goes away as soon as possible.”

The victim’s brother Faruk Kul said: “They told us that Tarik’s COVID-19 test was positive, and I thought ‘Tarik is young, he will survive’.

“He was hospitalised and taken to intensive care, but his heart suddenly stopped and he died.

“He was a barber and took all the advised safety measures in his shop. He took all the same measures for his wedding as well. He even put a warning on the invitation.”

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.