Backer of Syria’s White Helmets found dead in Istanbul

A high-profile supporter of the “White Helmets” group, officially known as Syria Civil Defense, has been found dead in Istanbul, according to Turkish authorities.

James Le Mesurier, the founder and director of the Mayday Rescue group, died in the Kemankes Karamustafapasa neighborhood of Turkey’s biggest city early on Monday, the Istanbul governorship said in a statement.

Mayday, a non-profit based out of Istanbul and Amsterdam, supports Syria Civil Defense. The group has received funding from the UN and a number of foreign governments, including the UK.

The White Helmets started as a volunteer rescue operation, filling the void left by the official emergency services.

This is a developing story.