A former MasterChef winner has died unexpectedly at age 37, just five years after his victory on the popular cooking competition made him a television star.
Eren Kaşıkçı, who won the 2021 season of MasterChef Turkey, was found dead in the bedroom of his Istanbul home on July 29.
His business partner, Mikail Malkoçoğlu, reportedly discovered his body after Kaşıkçı’s family became concerned when they were unable to reach him.
Emergency crews were called to the home, but paramedics pronounced the chef dead at the scene.
His body was taken for an autopsy as authorities launched an investigation into his sudden death.
Malkoçoğlu said initial assessments suggested there was a “strong possibility” Kaşıkçı suffered a fatal heart attack. An official cause of death had not yet been confirmed.
Kaşıkçı rose to national fame after winning MasterChef Turkey in 2021. He later returned to compete in the show’s All Star edition.
Known to fans by the nickname “Kızıl Sakal,” which means “Red Beard,” the chef used his television success to launch his own Istanbul restaurant, Kızıl Sakal Sandwich & Burger.
He was reportedly preparing to open another location before his death.
Born in Kırıkkale in 1989, Kaşıkçı’s family was originally from the northern Turkish province of Tokat. He was married and had one daughter.
Before appearing on MasterChef, Kaşıkçı developed his culinary skills while working in the kitchens of several Istanbul hotels.
He later moved to the Aegean island of Gökçeada, where he became the head chef at a surf hotel.
Tributes poured in from his former MasterChef colleagues following news of his death.
Judge Mehmet Yalçınkaya remembered Kaşıkçı as an exceptionally kind man who cared little about wealth or material possessions.
“My dear brother, you always said, ‘God exists, there is no sorrow,’” Yalçınkaya wrote. “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.”
Fellow judge Danilo Zanna also shared an emotional tribute.
“My dearest Eren, I was always so happy to have known you,” Zanna wrote. “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. We will never forget you.”
Zanna offered his condolences to Kaşıkçı’s family and loved ones, adding, “May your beautiful heart rest in peace.”
A funeral was scheduled ahead of his burial at his family’s home in Tokat province on July 31.
The investigation into Kaşıkçı’s death remains ongoing.