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Daughter claims famous Turkish actor’s body was left to decay in US

Daughter claims famous Turkish actor’s body was left to decay in US Famous Turkish actor Ahu Tugba's daughter Anjelik tries to return her mother's body to Türkiye for her burial. (Photo via Instagram / @ahutugba1)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Sep 16, 2024 1:14 PM

The funeral of famous Turkish actor Ahu Tugba has been delayed for weeks due to complications with her autopsy in Miami, sparking outrage from her daughter, Anjelik Calvin.

Despite her relentless efforts, Tugba’s body has yet to be transported to Türkiye for burial.

Daughter claims famous Turkish actor’s body was left to decay in US
Famous Turkish actor Ahu Tugba has still not returned to Türkiye for its burial, September 1, 2024. (AA Photo)

Delays in autopsy leaves daughter furious, distraught

Anjelik Calvin has openly criticized the Miami officials for mishandling her mother’s case. She revealed that the Miami coroner’s office delayed the autopsy for over two weeks, leaving her devastated.

“My mother’s body was left for 14 days without an autopsy. The coroner’s ego delayed everything,” she said. Calvin took the situation into her own hands by contacting Florida Senator Marco Rubio to push the authorities to act.

“If the coroner had started the procedures earlier, my mother’s body would already be in Türkiye. I had no choice but to fight for her,” Calvin explained.

The autopsy and toxicology results could still take another two to three weeks, causing further distress. Calvin expressed her frustration, stating, “It wasn’t my fault. The coroner was negligent, but I did what I had to do.”

Daughter claims famous Turkish actor’s body was left to decay in US
Ahu Tugba congratulates her daughter Anjelik Calvin for completing her internship at Miami Turkish Consulate, United States, March 19, 2018. (Photo via Instagram / @ahutugba1)

Ahu Tugba’s passing shocks Turkish cinema as funeral plans face setbacks

Ahu Tugba, known for her bold and unconventional roles in Turkish cinema, passed away on September 1 in her Miami home. Despite efforts to bring her body back to Türkiye, bureaucratic delays have left her family and the Turkish film industry mourning.

Prominent Turkish actors, including Mujde Ar and Ajda Pekkan, expressed their sorrow and praised Tugba’s influence on Turkish cinema.

Mujde Ar, a close friend, described her as a fearless figure, saying, “Ahu lived without caring what others thought. She was brave and took on roles that many would avoid. I loved her for that.” Ajda Pekkan added, “She was an icon of the 1980s. Her performances reflected her strong character, and we lost her to COPD after she survived so much.”

Daughter claims famous Turkish actor’s body was left to decay in US
Famous Turkish actor Ahu Tugba was one of the most prominent figures of early Turkish cinema, February 4, 2018. (Photo via Instagram / @ahutugba1)

Famous Turkish actor’s daughter pushes for final goodbye in Türkiye

Despite the ongoing challenges, Calvin remains determined to ensure her mother receives a proper farewell in Türkiye.

“Despite everything, my mother’s body will finally be laid to rest in Türkiye, surrounded by those who loved her,” Calvin said. The delays have tested her patience, but she continues to push for her mother’s return.

Calvin revealed that the necessary paperwork is expected to be completed this week. If no further issues arise, Ahu Tugba’s funeral could take place in Türkiye as early as next week.

Last Updated:  Sep 16, 2024 1:22 PM