↑ Kerim Okten photo by Aybige Mert via epa
Sad new just in from the epa – European Pressphoto Agency:
10th April, 2014 – epa’s acclaimed photographer and beloved colleague Kerim Okten has died in a motorbike accident in Turkey today.
Kerim Okten was born in Istanbul in 1972. He first worked for a national newspaper and magazines before joining epa in 1998, since when he has covered stories in Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, among others and has also participated in major international sporting events. In 2012, when he was chief photographer in Turkey, Kerim left Istanbul for London for his new role as UK chief photographer. Kerim returned to Turkey in December 2013.
Hannah Hess, epa’s editor in chief, is shocked by the tragic news: “We have lost a great friend and esteemed colleague. For many within the epa family Kerim was a beloved friend, a brother and one of the finest. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, his family, friends and colleagues.”
View Kerim’s photography at epa here
View Kerim’s website here
Kerim was on the Jury for the 2014 World Press Photo contest