A former Below Deck star and his brother have been arrested in Turkey after a 17-year-old shop employee died following an alleged altercation. João Franco, 36, and his brother Karlos Franco were detained after the incident in Bodrum on Saturday 7 November.
Altercation outside Bodrum shop
According to Turkish media reports, the brothers became involved in a verbal row with staff at a shop in Bodrum. CCTV footage appears to show Karlos throwing the first punch, according to Page Six. João then appeared to intervene and pulled his brother away from the incident.
An employee appeared to then launch himself back at the pair as other workers came out of the store to get involved. In the footage, one of the figures - believed to be a 17-year-old boy - appears to fall to the ground and reportedly hit his head on the stairs.
Teen dies in hospital
The teenager suffered a serious head injury and went into cardiac arrest, but was resuscitated by emergency medical responders at the scene before being rushed to hospital in a critical condition. However, on Monday 9 November Turkish publications confirmed he had died in hospital.
João and Karlos were then arrested and taken to Bodrum Courthouse. They are currently believed to be in prison.
Reality TV career
João Franco starred in four seasons of the Below Deck franchise between 2018 and 2026. He appeared in two seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean and came back for two seasons of Below Deck Down Under.
In May 2026, he announced that he wouldn't be returning to the programme after securing a full-time captain role on a 43-metre superyacht. He told Majorca Daily: "I started a few months ago, and it's a rotational position, which is awesome. Below Deck recently hinted at a return, but my new role's terms mean I won't be going back. Sure, the money is great, but with the prestige of my current position, I think I've outgrown it."
