The medical cause of death has not yet been established
Carl Eve Crime Reporter
11:51, 15 Jan 2026
An inquest has been opened into the death of a chef after an alleged assault in Exmouth.
During the short public hearing, which took place at the Exeter County Hall on January 6, senior coroner Philip Spinney opened the inquest into the passing of 29-year-old Cemal Yilmaz.
Mr Spinney said Cemal was born in Manchester and resided at a property in Claremont Road, Exmouth.
He confirmed that Cemal, described as a chef by occupation, was admitted to the Royal Exeter and Devon Hospital but later transferred to Derriford Hospital where he died on December 16, 2025 at 6.24pm.
Noting the circumstances surrounding his death, Mr Spinney said Cemal was admitted to hospital "following an assault" and that his condition "continued to deteriorate", leading to his death on December 16.
Mr Spinney said the medical cause of death has not yet been established.
A friend of Cemal previously paid tribute to him, saying he would be terribly missed.
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "He was the funniest guy in every room he was in. Everyone loved him. He had the biggest heart, the biggest smile and would always give you a huge bear hug when he saw you.
"Everybody who knew him is going to miss him terribly, and the world will be a much duller, sadder and worse place for him not being in it.
"His family should be so proud of the man they raised because he was adored and he’s already missed so much, by so many people."
Royal Marine Joseph Jones, aged 22 and originally from Wolverhampton is currently awaiting trial at Exeter Crown Court having been charged with manslaughter.
When he appeared at Exeter Magistrates' Court on December 31, 2025 it was stated that Cemal had been found in Church Street just after midnight on Saturday, December 13 following an alleged assault.
Jones, who gave an address in court of Exmouth Road, Lympstone, was granted conditional bail to appear at Exeter Crown Court on January 16. He has not yet entered a plea.