Social media influencer Nihal Candan, who had been battling the severe eating disorder anorexia nervosa, tragically passed away at the age of 30 after a harrowing struggle with her health that culminated in multiple cardiac arrests. Candan’s story, which captivated and saddened many in Turkey’s social media and entertainment circles, highlights the devastating impact of eating disorders and the complex challenges faced by those suffering from them.
Born Gülnihal Çiçek on June 15, 1995, in Mersin, Turkey, Candan rose to fame through her participation in popular television competitions. While studying law at Istanbul Beykent University, she gained widespread recognition after appearing on the fashion competition show Bu Tarz Benim (This Is My Style) on TV8. Initially joining as a guest on October 16, 2014, she earned three stars from the jury and became a regular contestant, competing alongside notable judges such as Nur Yerlitaş, Ivana Sert, Uğurkan Erez, and Kemal Doğulu. She also took part in the 2016 season of Survivor, joining the volunteers’ team and further cementing her public profile.
However, Candan’s life took a tragic turn following her arrest in November 2023 alongside her sister Bahar Candan on charges of fraud and money laundering. The Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office led the investigation that resulted in their detention. While incarcerated, Nihal Candan was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a serious psychological and physical eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and extreme restriction of food intake, often leading to life-threatening health complications.
Anorexia nervosa is notoriously difficult to treat and is among the mental illnesses with the highest mortality rates. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a respected American health institution, the disorder involves severe calorie restriction that can cause profound physical damage, including bone loss, organ failure, heart problems, infertility, developmental delays, and even sudden cardiac arrest. The psychological roots of the disorder revolve around a distorted body image and obsessive fears about weight gain, which severely diminish quality of life.
Following her diagnosis, Candan’s health rapidly deteriorated. She was released from prison in April 2024 due to the worsening of her condition, which had reached a dangerously low weight of approximately 23 kilograms (about 51 pounds). Despite medical advice, she initially refused intensive care treatment, which complicated her recovery efforts. Her father, Hakan Candan, spoke candidly about her state during a television interview on June 19, 2025, stating, "Her condition is very serious. Her life is still at risk. (My daughter) does not want to live." This heartbreaking admission underscored the psychological torment she was enduring alongside her physical decline.
After her release, Candan’s rapid weight loss continued, prompting hospitalization and intensive care admission. In the days leading up to her death, she experienced multiple cardiac arrests. On June 20, 2025, her heart stopped, but doctors were able to revive her after approximately 10 minutes of cardiac massage. Unfortunately, her heart stopped again shortly thereafter, and despite further resuscitation efforts, she could not be saved. Reports indicate that her heart ultimately stopped for the third time, and all medical interventions failed to revive her.
The news of Nihal Candan’s passing was first shared by her sister Bahar Candan on social media and later confirmed by other sources, including Turkish news outlet Habertürk. The sudden loss of such a young and once vibrant figure sent shockwaves through the Turkish social media community and beyond.
Her 30th birthday, celebrated just days before her death on June 15, 2025, was marked quietly in the hospital where she was receiving treatment. Fashion designer and friend Pınar Kerimoğlu visited her with a cake, and Candan shared a photo on Instagram wearing what she called "My dream birthday dress," a poignant moment that contrasted sharply with the grim reality of her health battle.
Nihal Candan’s story also involves a complex legal backdrop. The investigation into allegations of fraudulent activities and money laundering implicated her and her sister as part of an organized crime group. Prosecutors accused the group of using deceptive methods to collect funds from victims, including a scheme involving the sale of vehicles at suspiciously low prices without delivery or reimbursement, resulting in losses amounting to nearly 10 million Turkish lira from 13 victims. Bahar Candan faces potential sentences ranging from 14 to 44 years in prison, while Nihal’s sister Gülcihan Çiçek, publicly known as Nihal Candan, faced 8 to 24 years. The legal proceedings remain ongoing for other members of the group.
Despite the legal and personal turmoil, the public remembers Nihal Candan for her early achievements and charismatic presence on television and social media. Her tragic decline serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of eating disorders and the importance of comprehensive mental health care.
Her father’s words resonate deeply: the struggle was not only physical but also psychological, with Nihal’s will to live severely compromised by the disease. This dual battle is common among anorexia nervosa patients and poses significant challenges for families and healthcare providers alike.
As the Turkish social media and entertainment worlds mourn the loss of Nihal Candan, her story is a call to raise awareness about eating disorders, the need for early intervention, and the complexities of mental health struggles that can be hidden behind even the most public of lives.
