A Turkish man who was wounded during the March terror attack in Christchurch has died in hospital, raising the incident’s death toll to 51.
[jwplayer MhJMkoWm-hiyhO7aJ]
Turkish Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed Zekeriah Tuyan, 46, died from his injuries 48 days after the shooting.
Yeni Zelanda #Christchurch’teki hain terör saldırısında ağır yaralanan vatandaşımız Zekeriya Tuyan’ı maalesef kaybettik. Merhuma Allah’tan rahmet, ailesine başsağlığı ve sabır diliyorum.
— Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu (@MevlutCavusoglu) May 2, 2019
Citing police, TVNZ reports Tuyan was worshipping at Al Noor mosque when an Australian gunman opened fire.
Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency reports Tuyan, a father to two children, sustained back and leg injuries during the attack.
He reportedly died while undergoing surgery.
In a statement obtained by TVNZ, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her grief “to the family and community of this man who has died overnight.
“This sad news will be felt across Turkey, as well as New Zealand.”
Ardern praised the work of first responders and medical personnel at local hospitals.
Tuyan is the second victim to have died in hospital.
“This a testament to the extraordinary work put in by the medical staff at Christchurch, Burwood and Starship Hospitals in the aftermath of the shooting to save lives,” Ardern said.
As it stands, the accused gunman has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 counts of attempted murder.
He is slated to face court next on June 14.
