Turkish actress Ece Irtem, known for her roles in popular television dramas including Kızılcık Şerbeti (Cranberry Sorbet) and Mr. Wrong, has died unexpectedly at the age of 35, prompting an investigation into whether a monkey scratch she reportedly suffered during a recent trip to Thailand could have played a role in her death.
Irtem died on June 15, one day after celebrating her 35th birthday. Initial reports indicated that she suffered a suspected heart attack at her home in Istanbul while she was with her mother. Emergency responders were unable to revive her.
The case took an unexpected turn after the actress's attorney, Uğur Gökkoyun, requested that authorities examine whether injuries she sustained during a recent vacation in Thailand may have contributed to her death. According to Turkish media reports cited by her lawyer, Irtem had been scratched, and possibly bitten, by a monkey during the trip. Three marks were reportedly found on her left arm after her death.
Gökkoyun submitted a petition to prosecutors asking that the possibility of a monkey-related infection be evaluated as part of the autopsy investigation. He said experts consulted by the family suggested that severe infections, including sepsis, can in rare cases develop after bites or deep scratches from wild animals.
However, infectious disease specialists have urged caution about linking the incident directly to Irtem's death.
Professor Mehmet Ceyhan, an infectious disease expert in Turkey, told local media that while monkeys can carry diseases such as rabies, Herpes B virus and bacterial infections, a fatal outcome from a superficial scratch would be uncommon.
He noted that cardiac conditions, aneurysms, heart rhythm disorders or other underlying medical issues are statistically more likely explanations for a sudden death in an otherwise young adult. "The strongest possibility appears to be a condition related to her own health rather than an infection passed on by a monkey," Ceyhan said, according to Türkiye Today.
Authorities are awaiting the results of a forensic autopsy, which is expected to determine the official cause of death. Until then, both the reported heart attack and the possibility of an infection remain under review.
Irtem had built a successful career in Turkish television and gained international recognition through Turkish dramas that have attracted audiences across Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. She appeared in productions including Cranberry Sorbet, Mr. Wrong and Forbidden Fruit, earning a loyal fan base at home and abroad.
The actress's sudden death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. Actor Can Yaman, who worked with Irtem, was among those who publicly expressed grief on social media following the news.
Her funeral was held in her hometown province of Aydın, where family, friends and fans gathered to pay their respects. The ceremony also generated debate on social media after some attendees were seen recording videos and taking photographs during the service.
For now, the mystery surrounding Irtem's death remains unresolved as investigators await forensic findings that could determine whether her death was caused by a cardiac event, an underlying medical condition or a rare infection linked to her recent travels.
