Producer Dana Eden dies during filming of Tehran

Israeli television producer and Tehran co-creator Dana Eden has died at the age of 52, her family and colleagues confirmed, in a shock that has spread through the global entertainment industry.

Eden was found in her hotel room in Athens, Greece, where she was working on the fourth season of the internationally acclaimed Apple TV spy thriller.

Greek police were called to the hotel near Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens after Eden failed to respond to messages from her brother, who then discovered her body. Authorities have issued an autopsy order to determine the cause of death and have begun collecting security camera footage and testimony from hotel staff. Reuters, quoting police officials, said the police were investigating the death as suicide, based on evidence and testimonies, and that Greek investigators found pills at the scene. It also reported, however, that a coroner found bruises on Eden’s neck.

The production company Eden co-led, Donna and Shula Productions, however, has released a heartfelt plea for sensitivity in the wake of the news. In their statement, they described her death as a moment of “great pain” for her family, friends and creative partners, and urged the public and media to refrain from unfounded speculation about political motives or foul play.

“The production company wants to make it clear that the rumours of the death being criminal or nationalistic are not true and baseless,” the statement said. “We call on the media and the public not to publish unfounded theories and to act with responsibility and sensitivity. This is a moment of immense pain for the family, friends, and colleagues,” it added. “We want to preserve Dana’s dignity and her privacy.”