MasterChef winner Eren Kaşıkç has been found dead at his home by a friend this week aged 37.
He shot to fame after winning the Turkish edition of the cookery show in 2021, before he later returned for an All Stars series.
His body was discovered in his bedroom at his residence in Istanbul by business partner Mikail Malkoçoğlu on July 29, when his family raised the alarm after they could not reach him.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, and his body was taken for an autopsy to establish the exact cause, with local police launching an investigation into his death.
According to his friend Malkoçoğlu, the initial medical assessments indicated there is a "strong possibility" the chef died of a heart attack.
Judges of the hit series rushed to pay tribute, as MasterChef Turkey judge Mehmet Yalçınkaya said: ‘My dear brother, you always said “God exists, there is no sorrow,” my dear brother, you had a heart that wouldn’t even hurt an ant. You never had your eye on worldly possessions. My heart aches, a fire has fallen into my soul. May God grant you paradise. I’m sorry, gok."
Danilo Zanna, said: "Your smiling face, sincerity, and beautiful heart will always remain in my memory. The beautiful memories you left behind and the mark you left on people’s hearts will never be erased. Our deepest condolences. We will never forget you. I offer my condolences and prayers for strength to your family and everyone who loved you. May your beautiful heart rest in peace."
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