Berkin Usta is a Turkish athlete who specialized in alpine skiing. Taking a liking to the sport at a very young age, Berkin also competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Unfortunately, while he wanted to take his career to new heights, a shocking incident put a stop to his dreams. In a recent update, it was reported that both Berkin Usta and his father, Yahya Usta, perished in a raging fire at a closed ski resort hotel in northwest Turkey. 

This news comes as a piece of huge sorrow for the skiing community. Yahya Usta was the President of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association. While his son, Berkin, was regarded as one of the most prominent stars of the skiing community. However, soon after the news of their demise broke, curiosity crept in as to why the duo were present at the abandoned hotel?

How did the fire start, and why were Berkin Usta and his father in the hotel?

The news of their deaths was confirmed by the Sports Minister, Osman Askin Bak. Bak stated, “I learned with deep sorrow that our national athlete, Berkin Usta and his father Yahya Usta, lost their lives in the fire that broke out in the hotel.” Coming to the incident, the fire broke out at The Kervansaray Hotel in Uludag, Bursa province. 

Reports stated that the incident took place at 5:30am in the morning. At the time of the incident, a total of 12 staff were present in the hotel. With excessive smoke accumulation due to the fire, several of the staff had to be hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. While there were no other boarders at the resort, Yahya Usta and his son were staying on the fifth floor. 

However, it is unclear why the duo were staying at the deserted hotel. It is also not being confirmed whether any of them worked as staff at the resort. While initial investigations stated that the fire initiated from the cafeteria, a more detailed investigation will be conducted soon. 

A look at Berkin Usta’s life

Berkin Usta was born on May 29, 2000 in Bursa, Turkey. Berkin took a liking to the sport early on in his life. This was primarily because of his father, Yahya Usta, who competed in the same sport nationally. Beginning to take his skiing lessons at the age of 2, Berkin soon grew up to become a fantastic athlete. Completing his education from the Istanbul Bilgi University, Berkin specialized in International Trade and Business. 

However, his passion for alpine skiing made him take a membership at the 16 Sports Club. Learning the art of the sport, Berkin soon participated at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in the grand Slalom event. Displaying his impressive skills, Berkin was ranked 21st. His continued strive towards greatness made him qualify for the Winter Olympics in 2022. Thus, suffering an untimely demise at the age of 25, Essentially Sports extends its condolences to his family and prays for Berkin and his father’s soul to Rest In Peace.