Who Was Sherin Celin Mathew? Transwoman Found Dead In Kochi Apartment

Sherin Celin Mathew, a 26-year-old transwoman who lived in Kerala was found dead in her Kochi apartment. She was an actor and model who was an occupant of a rented apartment at Chakkaraparambu in Kochi. Originally a resident of the neighbouring Alappuzha district, Sherin had been staying in Ernakulam's Kochi for two years. The actor was reportedly suffering from depression owing to personal problems with friends. 

The 26-year-old was found dead at her rented apartment in the Kochi city of Ernakulam district in Kerala on Tuesday. According to reports, found hanging from a ceiling fan in her room, a case of unnatural death has been registered. Police said it has initiated an investigation into the matter. Reports also say that the deceased had filmed the suicide act by herself.

The news comes merely days after the death of another Kerala model, Sahana.

Suggested Reading: Our Massive Suicide Death Rate: We Are Not Living Well, India

Reports said that the police investigation was underway at the scene and her body would be sent for a post-mortem examination soon. On 12 May, Sahana, a model and small-time actor from Kozhikode, was also found dead in her house on her 21st birthday in an apparent case of suicide.

Another transgender person and Kerala's first radio jockey, Anannyah Kumari Alex was also believed to have died by suicide in 2021, days after she had alleged gross medical negligence in her sex reassignment surgery. Her friends and family protested against the hospital, Renai Medicity and Dr Arjun Asokan, who did the surgery. Soon after, Kerala Health Minister Veena George ordered a probe into Anannyah's death.

PTI also reported, "In April, a fact-finding report on her death alleged gross medical negligence by the private hospital and sought better healthcare for trans persons in the state, and for medical professionals to follow international norms. The fact-finding team has also asked for a second post-mortem of Anannyah’s body, and has said that the police investigation into the death was shoddy."