Mother of Victim in Bulgaria Lodge Deaths Demands Independent Pathological Examination

Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of Nikolay Zlatkov, who was found dead beneath Okolchitsa Peak on February 8, is demanding an independent pathological examination of her son’s body, citing significant injuries inconsistent with a simple corpse recovery. She is also calling for a similar examination of Ivaylo Kalushev’s remains, whose mother has also expressed concerns.

Concerns Over Nikolay Zlatkov’s Injuries

Asenova described discovering large, severe wounds on her son’s leg during a viewing at the funeral agency. She stated the wounds appeared to be more than simple abrasions, with skin removed and indications of possible heat damage. She shared photographs of the injuries with lawyers and is appealing to a pathologist “with a name, professional honor and dignity” to conduct an independent external examination.

“What I saw was much more than abrasions, these were serious wounds, with the skin coming off,” Asenova stated in a public post. She fears her concerns will be dismissed and she will be labeled as refusing to accept the official explanation of events.

Call for Examination of Ivaylo Kalushev’s Body

Asenova is also supporting a request from the mother of Ivaylo Kalushev for an independent examination of his body. She notes that she has received the expertise report regarding her son, while Kalushev’s mother had not received hers as of February 16, 2026 and intends to request it today.

Request for CT Scan and Public Testimony

Asenova is requesting a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of her son’s body to provide a full and objective documentation of his condition. She is also urging anyone with knowledge of the case or witnessing irregularities to come forward and share their information, stating that silence “preserves and feeds the lie.”

Background of the Case

The bodies of Ivaylo Ivanov, 49, Decho Iliev, 45, and Plamen Stattev, 51, were discovered on February 2, 2026, at a lodge in Petrohan with gunshot wounds. Deyan Iliev, the man who found the bodies, reported the incident to authorities before leaving Bulgaria for Mexico.

Ralitsa Asenova previously stated that Deyan Iliev informed her of the deaths at the Petrohan lodge but did not mention gunshot wounds.

Ivaylo Kalushev, a friend of the deceased, was found dead on February 8, 2026, along with Nikolay Zlatkov and Aleksandar Makulev beneath Okolchitsa Peak.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released a definitive explanation for the events.

Novinite reports that Deyan Iliev, who discovered the first three bodies, has left Bulgaria.