"Anorexia" claims the life of Turkish influencer Nihal Candan

In a shocking incident that rocked the Turkish art scene and stirred waves of sadness on social media platforms, the famous Turkish influencer Nihal Candan passed away at the age of 30 after a bitter struggle with anorexia nervosa, according to Turkish sources.
Heart stopped after losing 37 kilograms
Nihal had lost about 37 kilograms over the past two years, bringing her weight down to only 23 kilograms, amid a rapid deterioration of her health. While receiving treatment in the hospital, her heart stopped beating, and despite the doctors' desperate attempts, she passed away.
Fashion designer Pinar Kerimoglu was the first to mention the worsening of her condition, posting on Instagram: "I called Umut and asked about her condition, he told me Nihal’s heart stopped again and doctors are trying to revive her." Moments later, influencer Sila Dogu officially confirmed the news of her death on social media.
Her sister Bahar Candan’s breakdown
Bahar Candan, Nihal’s sister, had earlier urgently appealed to authorities to intervene and save her sister, saying, "My sister is dying, she is suffering from anorexia... Do something." She expressed her bitter pain over the slanders against Nihal, asserting that what she endured destroyed her life. A video circulated by journalist Birsin captured Bahar breaking down upon hearing the news of her sister’s death in a public place.
Who is Nihal Candan?
Her real name was Gulnehal Candan, born on June 15, 1995, in Mersin, Turkey. She rose to fame in 2014 after participating in the popular reality TV show "Bu Tarz Benim," which marked her breakthrough in fashion and entertainment.
Later, she founded her own beauty center, “Nihal Candan Beauty Center,” gaining wide popularity on social media with over 900,000 followers on Instagram.
Legal issues and declining health
In 2023, Nihal and her sister Bahar were detained on charges of fraud and money laundering, involved in a case concerning the alleged sale of cars at fake prices.
Nihal spent months behind bars, during which her anorexia worsened severely, leading to her release on health grounds in early 2025.
A painful end
Just a week ago, Nihal celebrated her 30th birthday in the hospital amidst hopes and prayers for her recovery. However, she passed away days later, leaving behind a tragic story blending fame, psychological pressure, and physical collapse.
Her fans mourned her on social media with heartfelt messages, considering her ordeal a reflection of the dark side of influencer life, where bright lights mingle with shadows of loneliness and breakdown.