ORLANDO, Fla. – A 52-year-old man was shot and killed early Thursday during a robbery attempt at a resort in the tourist district of Orlando, deputies said.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said Osman Darcan died in the shooting, which was reported around 1:45 a.m. outside the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive, where Darcan was staying with his wife on their honeymoon.
Orange County sheriff's deputies said the couple, who are from Turkey, was in the parking lot when a man tried to rob them. The culprit opened fire, shooting Darcan several times, deputies said.
"During the struggle, Mr. Osman Darcan came over to his wife's aid and a struggle ensued," said Captain Angelo Nieves. "At which time, gunfire erupted, being struck by gunfire, he collapsed and passed away, unfortunately."
Darcan was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, deputies said.
"As you can imagine, obviously the family is distraught, the wife was here on vacation, we understand that (it) had been a honeymoon visit, so it's very difficult," Nieves said.
Nieves said a victim's advocate that works solely with tourists is working with the Turkish consulate to help the wife back home. He says she is currently with friends.
A student of the 52-year-old Darcan identified him as their professor at Bogazici University in Turkey. On the university's website, it said Darcan taught application development.
One of his students sent News 6 a statement, which read, "He was a man of principles. He had certain ideas and he was always ready to stand with them, protect them. I believe he was doing the same while he is trying to protect his wife. I still can't believe it."
Darcan's university confirmed his death Thursday evening in a tweet, reading, "Our Newest Member Associate Professor Department Of Management Information Systems, Dr. Osman Darcan, lost his life as a result of an armed attack in Orlando."
The shooter was only described by deputies as having dark skin, heavy set and having bushy eyebrows. He fled after the shooting, and deputies continue to search for him.
Deputies were asked if tourists should be concerned for their safety.
"Unfortunately in the world that we live in today, there's always danger and we all need to be alert and aware of our surroundings," Orange County sheriff's Deputy Rose Silva said. "I know that people are in vacation mode, but there are people out there looking to harm us, so keep your eyes and ears open."
Elsa Asgeirsdottir, in town from Iceland, woke up to deputies knocking on her hotel room door.
"At 6:30 a.m, they woke us up and they didn't tell us what it was, they said accident but I didn't know what it was," she said.
When News 6 told her what happened, she said she got goosebumps.
"This is creepy," she said. "I'm a little afraid."
But deputies Thursday wanted to assure tourists they are in one of the safest areas of the county, still they are stepping up patrols hoping to find the killer.
"I would tell them this is a very safe area. We have had a tragedy that has occurred, but we try to police the best that we can," Nieves said.
Wyndham later released a statement about the shooting.
"We are shocked and saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family during this devastating time. The safety and security of our associates and guests is our top priority, and please know that we are cooperating with the authorities on their investigation. Given that this is an active investigation, we’re unable to provide any details or comment further and ask that you direct all questions to the local authorities," the resort said.
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.