How Did Ece İrtem Die? Turkish Actress’s Cause of Death Revealed After Death On 35th Birthday
The cause of death of Turkish actress Ece İrtem has been officially confirmed nearly a month after her sudden passing, with forensic authorities concluding that the 35-year-old died from ethyl alcohol poisoning, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the tragedy.
İrtem, best known for portraying Işıl in the hit Turkish television series Cranberry Sorbet (Kızılcık Şerbeti), died at her home in Istanbul on June 15, one day after celebrating her 35th birthday with family.
Initial reports suggested she may have suffered a heart attack, but authorities said the final autopsy findings tell a different story.
According to the final report prepared by Turkey’s Institute of Forensic Medicine and submitted to prosecutors, toxicology tests found 395 milligrams of ethyl alcohol per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood in İrtem’s system.
The report concluded that she died from alcohol poisoning, with multiple outlets reporting that investigators also considered the interaction of alcohol with prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication during the forensic review.
The findings also put to rest widespread speculation that İrtem’s death was linked to a monkey bite she suffered while traveling in Thailand in late May.
Her attorney, Uğur Gökkoyun, said she had sought medical treatment after the incident, received preventive medication and that the final autopsy found no evidence connecting the bite to her death.
In a statement released after the report, Gökkoyun said the forensic findings confirmed that his client died as a result of alcohol poisoning.
Investigators also reviewed witness statements, including one from İrtem’s mother, who told police the pair had attended a birthday celebration before returning home.
She said her daughter had consumed alcohol and was taking antidepressant medication before going to bed.
The following morning, she found her unresponsive and called for help.
Those statements formed part of the broader investigation but were not the basis for determining the cause of death, which was established through forensic toxicology.
İrtem began her television career in 2014 after studying opera and vocal performance at Yaşar University.
In addition to Cranberry Sorbet, she appeared in popular Turkish series including Payitaht Abdülhamid, Kuruluş Osman, Mr. Wrong, New Bride, That’s My Life and Runaway Brides.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans across Turkey, who remembered her for her warmth and vibrant personality.
The release of the final autopsy report closes the primary question surrounding İrtem’s death after weeks of conflicting reports and online speculation.
Turkish authorities have not indicated that any criminal investigation is continuing, and the forensic findings now stand as the official determination of her cause of death.
