MasterChef winner Eren Kaşıkç was found dead at his home by a friend this week.
The 37-year-old was known for winning the Turkish edition of the cookery show in 2021. He later returned for an All Stars series.
He also opened his own restaurant, Kızıl Sakal Sandwich & Burger, shortly after his victory and had plans to expand to a second location.
Kaşıkç’s body was discovered in his bedroom at his residence in Istanbul by business partner Mikail Malkoçoğlu on July 29.
Family members had raised the alarm when they were unable to reach him the previous day, requesting that Malkoçoğlu go and check on him.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the TV star’s ‘sudden’ death, with an autopsy to be performed.
Initial assessments have suggested there is a ‘strong possibility’ he died of a heart attack, according to Malkoçoğlu.
Kaşıkç’s funeral will be held on July 31, before he is buried in the province of Tokat, which is where his family lives.
Paying tribute, 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.’
Fellow judge, Danilo Zanna, said he was ‘so happy to have known [him]’.
‘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.’
Kaşıkç is survived by his wife and his daughter.