Turkish fashion influencer Ayşegül Eraslan tragically passed away on Friday, March 13, at the age of 27.
According to the local outlet Sözcü, Eraslan’s family arrived at her home to check in after they couldn’t reach her, with relatives ultimately calling the police when no one answered the door. She was found dead inside her home in Kağıthane.
Eraslan returned home from a trip to Egypt on March 11, according to security footage from the building. It also showed actor Sunay Kurtuluș entering her apartment before her passing and then leaving the building shortly after. Authorities questioned Kurtuluș, but he was released after giving his statement.
The Sun further reports that Eraslan shared some concerning posts on her Instagram account, including a note and a request for people to care for her dog.
Eraslan appeared on the Turkish fashion competition show “İşte Benim Stilim,” which translates to “This Is My Style,” before becoming a popular influencer who documented her fashion as well as her travels, with more than 360,000 Instagram followers.
Tributes Pour In For Ayşegül Eraslan
Eraslan’s shared her final Instagram post on March 12, which included numerous photos and videos from a trip to Los Angeles. Many people left sweet tributes in the comments.
“I am very sorry for what they have lived through and couldn’t live through. This should not have been the end of a young person. Rest in peace. 🤲,” one person commented.
“Oh, I can’t believe it. This beautiful woman had made my dream come true… Rest in peace beautiful woman,” another person shared
“I am very sad very :(,” someone posted.
Sunay Kurtuluș’ Lawyers Release Statement After He Was Questioned By Police
Lawyers for Kurtuluș shared a statement on Instagram on Sunday, March 15, detailing why he was questioned by police along with his connection to the case.
According to the statement, which was transcribed by PEOPLE, Kurtuluș saud that he was “only questioned as part of the investigation and has provided the necessary statements to the relevant authorities from the very beginning of the process.” They furhter added that he was “not at the scene of the incident at the time it occurred” and called out the news organizations that were saying he is the “primary party involved.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ayşegül Eraslan,” his lawyers continued. “We pray for God’s mercy upon her and offer our condolences to her family, relatives, and loved ones.”
