Pals stunned as popular Irish businessman dies suddenly while having dental treatment in Turkey
AN Irishman has died suddenly while having dental treatment in Turkey.
Tony Rogers, 66, flew to Istanbul for an emergency procedure on Monday and then passed away after he received anaesthetic in the dentist's chair the next morning.
The popular businessman was the owner of one of 's biggest taxi companies - Tony's Cabs in Drogheda.
He travelled over to on his own to get implants in.
His tragic death has caused great shock and sadness in his hometown, where he was an extremely popular figure.
The Turkish authorities are now expected to hold a full scale inquiry into what happened and a post mortem will also be held.
Turkey is the number one destination for Irish people having dental treatment abroad, followed by Hungary and Croatia.
Patients have implants, root canal and crows installed at a tenth of the cost it is in Ireland.
However, only last week the Irish Dental Association warned of the dangers of having treatment abroad and told people to be "more discerning" and to do their homework before travelling.
They also revealed how three out of four dentists in Ireland had to deal with problems arising from treatment people had received overseas.
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Dental chiefs said: "The Irish Dental Association is concerned about the quality of dental care in other countries and urges people to get consultation at home first.
"We need to encourage people who may be travelling abroad to focus on the quality of work they receive and whether that work is really necessary - not just the price of that work."
The number of Irish people going for treatment abroad had soared in recent weeks since the lifting of Covid restrictions.
'SO SAD'
Mr Rogers' family and friends are now desperately trying to find out what exactly happened to him.
He wasn't known to have any underlying health conditions and is survived by his heartbroken son and two daughters.
A friend said: "This is a great shock and all very sudden. We are trying to find out what exactly happened to him. He obviously had a reaction to whatever anaesthetic he was given.
"It is just so sad, he was a lovely man who worked hard and built up his business from nothing. Everyone in Drogheda knew Tony."
A friend paying tribute online said: "Currently in deep shock. A very good friend, Tony Rogers, went away on holiday to Turkey yesterday.
"Was there one day - and has suddenly passed away. He ran one of Drogheda's biggest taxi firms. A very, very much liked good man.
"I'm staggered. This is a man I talk to at least four to five times a week. I only spoke to him the day before he went.
"Now, he's gone. This is really a terrible week. To his son and all those who knew Tony, my deepest of ever sympathies .I'm utterly floored."
One more wrote: "Rest In Peace to the Legend Tony Rogers, not a bad bone in his body!! My heart goes out to the family. Gone but never forgotten."
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The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance where possible.
It said: " As with all consular cases the Dept can not comment on the details of any specific case."