A grieving mother is fighting for justice after her daughter died from a botched surgery in Turkey, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Anerley: A mother is on a mission for justice after her daughter, Morgan Ribeiro, tragically died following a botched weight loss surgery in Turkey. Erin Gibson is determined to ensure no other family has to endure such heartbreak.
Morgan, just 20, went to Turkey in January 2024, drawn in by social media ads promising affordable gastric band surgery. Sadly, after her operation on January 5, she fell seriously ill on the flight home, leading to an emergency landing in Belgrade, Serbia. She passed away on January 13.
This was supposed to be a fresh start for Morgan, who had faced bullying due to her weight. Instead, it turned into a nightmare for her and her family. The surgery went horribly wrong when her small intestine was accidentally cut.
In a heartfelt interview, Erin shared her grief and determination to prevent others from facing the same fate. She wants to raise awareness about the dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad and the impact of social media on body image.
Erin’s home is filled with memories of Morgan. Pictures of her daughter line the walls, and Erin often finds herself talking to her as if she were still there. The loss is overwhelming, and Erin is still grappling with the reality of her daughter’s death.
Reflecting on last Christmas, Erin recalls how hopeful Morgan was for the new year. Now, as the anniversary of her death approaches, Erin feels a mix of sorrow and anger. She is resolute in her quest for justice, not just for Morgan but for others who have suffered similar fates.
Erin’s pain is palpable as she describes the trauma of losing a child. She believes that Morgan’s death was preventable and is determined to hold those responsible accountable. The surgeon who performed the operation has denied any wrongdoing, but Erin is not backing down.
She has been in touch with Labour peer Kevan Jones, discussing the need for better regulations around cosmetic surgery and the influence of social media on body image. Erin is advocating for “Morgan’s Law,” which would emphasize the importance of body image education in schools.
Erin wants to ensure that young people understand the risks associated with cosmetic surgery and the importance of self-worth. She believes that if Morgan had received the right support, she might not have felt the need to undergo surgery.
As Erin looks through old photos of Morgan, she remembers her daughter’s vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. The pain of loss is ever-present, but Erin is committed to making a difference in Morgan’s memory.
She knows that Morgan would want her to find peace, but Erin feels she can’t rest until justice is served. Holding onto the hope of change, she vows to keep fighting for a safer future for others.
