Turkish actor Ayberk Pekcan aka Artuk Bey of the famed historical series ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’ has passed away at the age of 51, after a long battle with cancer.
Ayberk, who essayed the character of Artuk Bey in the series, an associate of the protagonist, was suffering from lung cancer for months, succumbed to the ailment on Monday, as confirmed by his family.
A few months earlier, the actor shared a lengthy note about his illness on a micro-blogging site, “Dear friends… The process that started with the doctor I went to with a complaint of back pain has come to this point today. I have lung cancer. The tumor has also spread to the liver and adrenal glands”, he penned.
— Ayberk Pekcan (@AyberkPekcan) October 22, 2021
The note further read, “Unfortunately, this disease did not show any symptoms in its initial stages. The first day of chemotherapy… My biggest support is my family. So are my friends nearby… I will do my best to regain my health. Keep your health wishes and prayers with you. Stay well…”.
Despite the support from his friends and co-stars in the struggle, Pekcan couldn’t survive the disease and breathed his last on Monday.
A number of Turkish celebs have expressed their condolences towards the family, whereas, Mehmet Bozdağ, director-producer of the blockbuster series, honored the late actor as well on Twitter.
Diriliş Ertuğrul dizimizde oyunculuğuyla projemize ruh katan sevgili Ayberk Pekcan Hakk’a yürümüştür.
Dar-ı bekaya yürüyen Ayberk abimize Allah’tan rahmet, ailesine ve sevenlerine sabırlar diliyorum. Hepimizin başı sağ olsun.#AyberkPekcan pic.twitter.com/SQMum6lpfb
— Mehmet Bozdağ (@mmehmetbozdag) January 24, 2022