Death of Ece Irtem, actress from ‘Coração de Mãe’, is clarified after twist in the case
The real cause of death of Turkish actress Ece İrtem, known for her role in the seriesMother’s Heart(Sandık Kokusu, shown in Brazil by Record), was revealed by the definitive report of the Institute of Legal Medicine (Adli Tıp Kurumu) last Thursday, July 9, 2026. The artist, who was 35 years old, was found lifeless by her mother on June 15 in her home in the Kadıköy neighborhood, in Istanbul, just one day after celebrating her birthday.
The report put an end to weeks of speculation that circulated in the press and on social media. Initially, a sudden heart attack was considered. Then, the hypothesis of complications from a monkey bite suffered during a trip to Thailand, on May 27, gained strength. The actress’s lawyer, Uğur Gökkoyun, even asked that this possibility be investigated, as the artist had started preventive treatment for 21 days and stopped after 11. However, the toxicological examination and complete necropsy ruled out any connection with infection, parasites, viruses or trauma.
Details of the report that clarify the case
The official report concluded that Ece İrtem’s death resulted from ethyl alcohol (ethyl alcohol) poisoning. 395 milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood (mg/dl) were detected, equivalent to around 3.95 promil — a level considered lethal by experts, more than twice the serious risk level (above 2 promil). Measurements in the vitreous humor (ocular fluid) confirmed 4.70 promil, reinforcing the precision of the findings.
In addition to alcohol, the report identified therapeutic levels of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications in the blood and urine. Experts, such as Professor Halis Dokgöz, explained that this combination drastically increases the depressant effect on the central nervous system, which can lead to coma, respiratory arrest and heart failure. The document also recorded pulmonary aspiration: gastric contents entered the airways after loss of consciousness, contributing to asphyxiation. No signs of illicit drugs, stimulants or external violence were found.
Career and repercussions of early death
Born on June 14, 1991 in Sivas, Ece İrtem graduated in Opera and Singing from Yaşar University and then studied acting at Sadri Alışık Kültür Merkezi. He began his career in 2012 and participated in productions such asKızılcık Şerbeti(in the role of Işıl, who popularized it),Yeni Gelin, Payitaht Abdülhamid, Kuruluş Osman, Mahkumand others. In Brazil, he gained fans withMother’s Heartand other Turkish soap operas shown on free-to-air and subscription channels.
His death caused a stir in the Turkish artistic world and among the international public. Colleagues and fans mourned the loss of a talented young actress. The body was laid to rest and buried on June 17 at Yeniköy Cemetery, in Kuşadası, Aydın Province, after a ceremony at Hanım Camisi.
What the case reveals about risks
The outcome brings an important warning about the dangers of mixing alcohol with psychotropic drugs, even in therapeutic doses. Doctors consulted by the Turkish press highlighted that high levels of alcohol suppress vital functions and that the association with medications increases this risk in an unpredictable way. Ece İrtem’s case serves as a reminder to the public about responsible consumption, especially in times of celebration or stress.
With the release of the report, the initial mystery that surrounded the actress’ death comes to an end. Family members, represented by the lawyer, reinforced that the artist was with her mother in the previous hours and that the official report brings necessary clarity to the mourning. The production of the soap operas in which he acted also paid tribute, highlighting his professionalism and charisma.
