What changed
2026-07-31 14:29 UTC → 2026-08-01 12:22 UTC ·
added
removed
Eren Kaşıkçı, the 2021 MasterChef Turkey champion, 2021 champion Eren Kaşıkçı was found dead in his Kilyos home on 29 July 2026. Initial responders noted he appeared to be reaching reach for medication, suggesting a possible heart‑attack, but a formal autopsy is pending. The and the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a suspicious‑death investigation and the investigation. His body was taken transferred to the Turkish Forensic Medicine Institute. Friends, including business Institute for autopsy, and authorities examined his phone, which showed dozens of unanswered calls in the hours before he was found. Business partner Mikail Malkoçoğlu, Malkoçoğlu entered the house apartment after a neighbor’s alert family members could not reach Kaşıkçı and called emergency services; paramedics confirmed death at the circumstances described in scene. Kaşıkçı, known as “Kızıl Sakal”, owned the earlier reports. Kaşıkçı’s wife, Ecem, Kızıl Sakal Sandwich & Burger restaurant and was later contacted to unlock his phone, which contained many unanswered calls. planning a new branch. A memorial service was held at Yenidoğan Cemevi in Istanbul, and followed by burial in his hometown of Tokat on 31 July 2026 his body was transported to his native Tokat for burial, 2026, attended by grieving relatives and fans. His young his wife Ecem, daughter Maya, whose birthday had been celebrated two days earlier, received public condolences relatives and financial support pledged by television fans. Television producer Acun Ilıcalı. Ilıcalı pledged financial support for Maya. The death has generated extensive media coverage and social‑media tributes while the forensic investigation continues to determine the definitive cause of death. The chef’s death has prompted widespread mourning in Turkey’s culinary community and extensive media coverage.