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Suspicious death of Turkish singer: Investigation reveals drug use with police officers

Young Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz’s final hours with police spark investigation into suspicious death Young Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz’s last hours with police spark investigation into suspicious death, Nov. 17, 2024. (Created with Canva)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Nov 27, 2024 3:55 PM

The death of 28-year-old Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz on Nov. 19 has sparked widespread attention as new details emerge about the circumstances of her demise.

Kiraz, initially reported to have died from an epileptic seizure, was revealed to have spent her final hours in the company of police officers, with allegations of drug use preceding her collapse. Meanwhile, an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is underway.

Suspicious death of Turkish singer: Investigation reveals drug use with police officers
Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz whose final hours with police officers have led to a national controversy, Türkiye, November 2024. (Photo by Türkiye daily)

Events leading to Duygu Kiraz’s death involve police officers

Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz connected with a police officer, identified as B.K., through a social media platform. The pair decided to meet, and Kiraz visited B.K.’s residence in Istanbul’s Bayrampasa district.

According to statements, the singer also met B.K.’s roommate, another police officer named A.Z., upon arriving at the house.

The group allegedly spent the evening together, during which Kiraz and B.K. reportedly used drugs.

Early the next morning, the late Turkish singer experienced severe distress, later attributed to an epileptic seizure. B.K. immediately called for medical assistance.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Kiraz was pronounced dead at the scene.

Young singer Duygu Kiraz, whose tragic death is under investigation, is seen posing at an elegant event
Young singer Duygu Kiraz, whose tragic death is under investigation, is seen posing at an elegant event, Türkiye, November 2024. (Photo by Türkiye daily)

Officers released under judicial control after statements reveal drug use

The accounts provided by the officers paint a troubling picture. B.K. admitted during questioning that he and Turkish singer Kiraz used drugs together before retiring for the night.

The next morning, B.K. noticed that Kiraz was struggling to breathe and called emergency services. Meanwhile, A.Z. claimed to have stayed in his room throughout the night to avoid disturbing Kiraz.

Suspicious death of Turkish singer: Investigation reveals drug use with police officers
Duygu Kiraz, the rising singer who died after an alleged drug use incident with police, Türkiye, November 2024. (Photo by Türkiye daily)

Kiraz’s manager shared news of her passing on social media, describing the tragedy as “the most difficult announcement of my life.”

Many fans and colleagues expressed their shock and sorrow, while the Film-San Foundation, an arts organization to which Kiraz belonged, issued a statement offering condolences.

Following the incident, B.K. and A.Z. were taken in for questioning. The prosecutor’s office allowed their release under judicial control, while the investigation continues to probe the details of Duygu Kiraz’s death.

Public scrutiny has mounted, with many questioning the conduct of the officers involved and the potential link between the drug use and Kiraz’s fatal seizure.

Duygu Kiraz, the 28-year-old singer whose death has raised questions
Duygu Kiraz, the 28-year-old singer whose death has raised questions, posing in a decorative swing, Türkiye, November 2024. (Photo by Türkiye daily)

Turkish singer Duygu Kiraz’s background, ongoing investigation

Kiraz was a young and rising singer who captured attention with her talent and vibrant personality. Her untimely death has cast a shadow over Türkiye’s music industry.

While her seizure is reported as the immediate cause of death, the surrounding circumstances have raised concerns over drug use and the role of the police officers present during her last hours.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the incident, aiming to uncover the full truth behind Kiraz’s death.

Last Updated:  Nov 27, 2024 3:56 PM
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