Producer Kevin Turen of 'Euphoria' Passes Away Following Driving Medical Emergency



by NOUMAN RASOOL

Producer Kevin Turen of 'Euphoria' Passes Away Following Driving Medical Emergency
Producer Kevin Turen of 'Euphoria' Passes Away Following Driving Medical Emergency © Jamie McCarthy/GettyImages

Kevin Turen, a notable figure in Hollywood and producer of HBO's acclaimed series "Euphoria" and the upcoming "The Idol," tragically passed away this Sunday. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, occurred while Turen was driving, a situation that quickly escalated into a dire medical emergency.

At 44, Turen was at the helm of his Tesla, accompanied by his 10-year-old son, when his health unexpectedly deteriorated. In an act of quick thinking and bravery, his son managed to navigate the car to safety. This harrowing episode unfolded on a California freeway, as the father-son duo was returning from a tennis tournament, according to TMZ.

Tragic Autopilot Ordeal

Edward Turen, Kevin's father, and Michael Heller, a close family friend, recounted the ordeal, highlighting that the vehicle was in autopilot mode when the emergency struck. Despite rapid transport to the hospital, Kevin Turen was pronounced dead.

An investigation into the official cause of death is currently underway, with further details pending. In a poignant statement released on Sunday night, Edward Turen emphasized that drugs and alcohol were not factors in his son's untimely death.

He expressed his deep sorrow, saying, "Kevin was so incredibly special, this world is going to be less without him," a sentiment echoed in a heartfelt tribute by Deadline. Jay Penske, CEO of PMC and a friend of Turen, reflected on his life beyond his Hollywood accomplishments.

"Despite his many achievements in Hollywood, Kevin’s greatest passion was his family and friends," Penske stated. He lauded Turen's devotion to his children and his determination to instill strong values in them. Penske's statement, filled with grief and admiration, underscores the profound loss felt by those who knew Turen, describing him as one of Hollywood's brightest talents.

A New York native, Turen was a Columbia University alumnus, holding a degree in English and Critical Film Studies. His career in the film industry was marked by significant achievements, including co-founding Little Lamb Productions with Sam and Ashley Levinson.

Under this banner, Turen produced not only "Euphoria" but also collaborated with Ti West on films like “X,” “Pearl,” and the upcoming “MaXXXine”. His portfolio also boasts the critically acclaimed “Malcolm and Marie” (2021), starring Zendaya and John David Washington, the thriller “Breaking” (2022) featuring John Boyega, and Olivier Assayas’ HBO miniseries “Irma Vep” (2022).

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