By Charlotte Dean and Brian Gallagher for Web 10:08 November 16, 2023, updated 12:06 November 16, 2023
Kevin Turen died after suffering a medical emergency while driving his Tesla – forcing his 10-year-old son to take the wheel and pull them to safety.
The “Euphoria” and “The Idol” producer, who died suddenly on Sunday at age 44, was driving on a California highway at the time of the incident, TMZ reported.
Kevin’s father Edward and his friend Michael Heller told the publication that he was driving his little boy home from a tennis tournament at the time.
They explained that Kevin’s car was on autopilot and his son had to pull the car to the side of the road before calling 911.
Kevin, who leaves behind his wife of 11 years Evelina and their two sons Jack and James, was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Tragic: Kevin Turen died after suffering a medical emergency while driving his Tesla – his 10-year-old son was forced to take the wheel and carry them to safety (pictured in 2007)
Authorities are believed to still be investigating the official cause of Kevin’s death. Kevin’s father and his friend said drugs and alcohol were not involved.
Edward confirmed his son’s death in a statement on Sunday evening.
In a statement released to Deadline, he said: “Kevin was so incredibly special, this world will be less without him.”
Jay Penske, CEO of PMC and close personal friend of Kevin, also released a statement.
“Despite his many successes in Hollywood, Kevin’s greatest passion was his family and friends,” Penske’s statement began.
“He was so proud of his children.” “He and his wife Evelina were determined that their children would grow up with great values and that they would make a difference in the world,” he added.
“Our collective hearts break for her and we all feel such a deep sense of loss,” Penske continued.
Family: Kevin is survived by his wife of 11 years, Evelina, and their children. The couple is pictured here in 2018
“We will miss Kevin so much, and this city lost one of its brightest rising stars today,” he concluded.
Kevin was born in Manhattan and studied cinema at Columbia University before starting his career.
He made his production debut in 2005 with the indie film Wassup Rockers from director Larry Clark.
He then produced a number of feature films, including Operation Endgame, which was written by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
His other feature film producing credits include “Arbitrage” with Richard Gere, “All Is Lost” with Robert Redford and two other Levinson films, “Assassination Nation” and “Malcolm & Marie.”
Most recently he produced the film “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” by Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal, “X and Pearl” by Mia Goth and “Euphoria” and “The Idol” by HBO.
Hit Show: Kevin was one of the producers of HBO’s Euphoria. He also worked on The Idol with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose DeppShock: TV producer Lynette Taylor tweeted: “Absolutely tragic.” Such a terrible loss.” Cassian’s tribute: Producer Cassian Elwes tweeted: “A good friend and true indie filmmaker died too soon this evening.” I’m so sad. Hold your loved ones close. “Life is precious and fleeting,” Taylor replied: “It’s so terrible.” Loved: Elwes quoted her response again, adding: “He loved you and Graham,” referring to her husband Graham Taylor. Small Town: Cassian Elwes also tweeted: “What people don’t know is that Hollywood is actually a small town.” At some point, everyone meets everyone. The indie film circle of people who regularly make indie films is even smaller. We all know each other very well because we are kindred spirits. We lost a very important person in our circle this evening; Other side: Elwes also tweeted a link to the obituary on Deadline, adding, “So sad.” “See you on the other side, my friend.” Kirsten’s tribute: Kirsten Sage Coleman, a makeup artist who worked on both Euphoria and who worked on The Idol, took to her Instagram Story and said, “That sounds great.” Sending all the love to those who need it.
Kevin is said to have had a photographic memory and could remember every frame of a film he had ever seen.
Kevin’s wife Evelina is best known for her starring roles in films such as That Awkward Moment, The Box and Arbitrage.
Kevin’s death is unfortunately the second tragedy to hit HBO’s Euphoria this year, following the tragic death of star Angus Cloud.
The actor, who played the lovable drug dealer Fezco in the popular series, died aged just 25 as a result of an accidental overdose of various drugs.
Cloud had just returned from Ireland where he had to bury his father, and the death took a harsh toll on the actor.