East London Grandmother Fatally Struck by Allegedly Intoxicated Driver During Turkish Holiday
The devastated husband of an East London woman who was killed by an allegedly drunk driver while vacationing in Turkey has publicly described the horrific moment for the first time. Keith Di Palma recounted how his wife Lisa was hit "full on" as they crossed a road during their three-week holiday in Fethiye.
Catastrophic Collision on Dual Carriageway
Lisa Di Palma, a 61-year-old grandmother-of-four from Hornchurch, East London, was attempting to cross a dual carriageway while walking to dinner when the tragedy unfolded. Keith, 57, told Walthamstow Coroner's Court that a speeding vehicle "came from nowhere" and narrowly missed him but struck his wife directly.
"I jumped out of the way, with the car brushing my back," Keith said in an emotional statement read by coroner Nadia Persaud. "But Lisa, who was slightly behind me, had no chance to get out of the way. The driver hit her full on and pushed her approximately five to six metres in front of the vehicle."
Despite being conscious immediately after impact, Lisa suffered catastrophic injuries including pelvic and hip fractures, shoulder fractures, skull fractures, twelve broken ribs, internal bleeding in her lungs and brain, signs of kidney failure, and a burn on her leg where the vehicle ran over her.
Driver's Blood Alcohol Level Four Times Legal Limit
The inquest heard compelling evidence from Turkish authorities indicating the driver had a blood alcohol level of 2.14 milligrams per millilitre - more than four times Turkey's legal limit of 0.5. A road traffic collision report noted there were "no signs of braking or tyre marks" from the vehicle either before or after impact.
The driver, identified as Senay Koparal, is scheduled to face a criminal trial in Turkey later this year. Keith described how he and bystanders had to physically intervene at the scene, lifting the vehicle while another man dragged the driver from the car.
Two-Week Medical Battle Ends in Tragedy
Lisa was initially rushed to a local state hospital before being transferred to Mugla University Hospital - a 74-mile journey taking two hours. After undergoing X-rays and a CT scan, she was moved to Letoon private hospital for surgery. Medical staff indicated she would need rest until August 13 ahead of a second procedure.
However, on August 11, Keith and their eldest daughter Danielle noticed Lisa appeared bloated - a symptom doctors attributed to a blocked bowel that was already being treated. The following morning brought an urgent call to return to hospital, where they learned Lisa's heart had stopped.
Medics performed CPR for 10 minutes before placing her in an induced coma. At 5am on August 13, the family received another emergency call. Despite an additional hour of CPR attempts, Lisa tragically passed away.
Distressing Hospital Farewell Adds to Family's Trauma
Keith condemned the hospital's handling of their final moments with Lisa, describing the experience as "dis-compassionate." The family was initially prevented from seeing her in the ward before being asked if they wanted to say their goodbyes in front of their two daughters.
"They wheeled her out in a body bag, literally in front of her two children, unzipped it, let us see her," Keith recounted. "I gave her a little kiss, and to that day that was the last time I saw her. When they flew her body back into the UK, the coroners' office took the body and said that she hadn't been looked after and we were advised not to look at the body because it would upset us too much."
Legacy of a Devoted Grandmother and Community Champion
Following the hearing, Keith revealed that Lisa had recently lost over six stone and was the "most confident" she'd ever been. The grandmother was deeply involved in grassroots football, dedicating herself to helping children access sports opportunities.
"She gave her life and soul to looking after her grandchildren and continuing with grass-roots football, getting more involved," Keith said. "Lisa was always about giving and not taking. She'd make sure the football club was the cheapest so anyone could attend. If anyone was struggling, she'd either pay herself or bend over backwards so that child could get involved."
The family has established the Lisa Di Palma Foundation to help disadvantaged children access sports, continuing her legacy of community support. A fundraising page has already attracted more than £23,000 in donations.
The medical cause of death was officially recorded as multiple injuries due to road traffic collision. The family continues to seek justice while mourning the loss of a woman described as the heart of their family and community.
