# Eren Kaşıkçı death investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eren-kak-death-investigation > Updated: 2026-08-30T11:59:30.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 5. MasterChef Turkey 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı was found dead in his Kilyos home on 29 July 2026. Police noted he reached for medication, suggesting a possible heart attack, and the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a suspicious-death investigation. His body was sent to the Turkish Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy; authorities also examined his phone, which showed dozens of unanswered calls in the hours before he was found. Business partner Mikail Malkoçoğlu entered the apartment after family could not reach Kaşıkçı and called emergency services; paramedics confirmed death at the scene. A memorial service was held at Yenidoğan Cemevi in Istanbul, followed by burial in his hometown of Tokat on 31 July 2026, attended by his wife Ecem, daughter Maya and many colleagues. Television producer Acun Ilıcalı pledged financial support for Maya. The culinary community mourned his loss. Fellow MasterChef judge Somer Sivrioğlu posted a tribute, recalling Kaşıkçı’s humility, work ethic and his planned trip to Gökçeada, and describing his spirit as a lasting “fire” in the hearts of those who knew him. A preliminary autopsy report from the Forensic Medicine Institute now indicates that Kaşıkçı died of a heart attack. Experts estimate he passed away approximately 14 to 15 hours before his body was discovered. While Kaşıkçı had no known chronic illnesses or significant health issues, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office awaits a final official report from the Institute to conclude the investigation. During a recent MasterChef Türkiye broadcast, judges Somer Sivrioğlu, Mehmet Yalçınkaya, and Danilo Zanna shared emotional tributes. Sivrioğlu described Kaşıkçı as a dear friend known for his integrity, while Yalçınkaya highlighted his kind and helpful nature. Sivrioğlu also announced that Kaşıkçı’s daughter, Maya, would be under their care. ## Claims - Eren Kaşıkçı, age 37, was found dead at his home in Istanbul's Kilyos district on 29 July 2026. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Eren Kaşıkçı won the 2021 season of MasterChef Turkey and was popularly known as “Kızıl Sakal”. (corroborated by 18 sources) - A post‑mortem autopsy was performed to determine the exact cause of death. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal investigation into Kaşıkçı’s death. (corroborated by 14 sources) - A funeral service was held in his hometown of Tokat after a memorial at Istanbul’s Yenidoğan Cemevi. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Initial medical assessments indicated a strong possibility that Kaşıkçı suffered a heart attack. (corroborated by 8 sources) - He owned the Kızıl Sakal Sandwich & Burger restaurant in Istanbul and was planning a new branch. (corroborated by 4 sources) - His daughter Maya’s birthday was celebrated two days before his death. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Eren Kaşıkçı had no known chronic illnesses or serious health problems prior to his death. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Kaşıkçı is estimated to have died approximately 14 to 15 hours before his body was discovered. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mikail Malkoçoğlu, Kaşıkçı's business partner, discovered the chef's body at his home on July 29. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-30: MasterChef Türkiye judges mourn the death of 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı MasterChef Türkiye judges Somer Sivrioğlu, Mehmet Yalçınkaya, and Danilo Zanna held an emotional tribute to 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı, who recently passed away from a heart attack. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-trkiye-judges-mourn-the-death-of-2021-champion-eren-kak ### 2026-08-16: Eren Kaşıkçı death attributed to heart attack Preliminary autopsy reports suggest MasterChef Türkiye 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı died of a heart attack at his home in Istanbul. An investigation into the sudden death is ongoing. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eren-kak-death-attributed-to-heart-attack ### 2026-08-08: Eren Kaşıkçı, MasterChef Turkey 2021 Champion, Dies; Somer Sivrioğlu Pays Tribute MasterChef Turkey 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı died in Istanbul; judge Somer Sivrioğlu honored his humility, work ethic and love for nature in a moving tribute. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eren-kak-masterchef-turkey-2021-champion-dies-somer-sivriolu-pays-tribute ### 2026-07-31: Eren Kaşıkçı found dead in Istanbul; investigation launched MasterChef Turkey 2021 winner Eren Kaşıkçı, 37, was found dead in his Istanbul home; a heart‑attack is suspected, autopsy pending, and a funeral was held in Tokat. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eren-kak-found-dead-at-home-cause-under-investigation ### 2026-07-29: Eren Kaşıkçı found dead; Istanbul investigation launched MasterChef 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı, 37, was found dead in his Istanbul home on 29 July 2026; a suspicious‑death probe and autopsy have been ordered. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eren-kak-found-dead-in-istanbul-home-investigation-opened --- Cite as: Eren Kaşıkçı death investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eren-kak-death-investigation