Greek heiress dies at 28 'after insect bite'
The 28-year-old daughter of a Greek shipping magnate was found dead by her housekeeper in her London apartment. According to her mother, she died from toxic shock caused by an insect bite.
According to Greek media, Marissa Laimou started feeling ill on Sept. 8. Her symptoms included dizziness, itching, and a fever. A doctor checked on her at home and prescribed paracetamol. But since her condition did not improve, she was brought to a London hospital by ambulance.
Since she was a cancer survivor, her oncologist saw her in the hospital. But her family and friends said that aside from one doctor, it was nurses who ultimately examined the heiress and concluded that she didn’t need to be admitted. They diagnosed her with an insect bite, gave her a prescription for antibiotics, and discharged her later that evening.
The next day, Marissa's housekeeper found her lifeless in her bed.
Her mother Bessy told Greek media that it was toxic shock from the insect bite that killed Marissa. The type of insect has not been determined yet.
“My daughter had survived cancer and died from an insect,” her mom said in profound grief. “She was a girl with so many gifts; all of England is crying, all her doctors, too.”
The hospital where Laimou was brought has reportedly launched an internal investigation. It has acknowledged that a serious mistake may have been committed.
Marissa's relatives said that a post-mortem, which has yet to be carried out, will provide more answers.
A passionate theater actress, Marissa got involved in theater after successfully surviving breast cancer. She recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London, and was preparing for another project. They describe her as “talented, modest, and dedicated to her craft.”
She comes from a family that is one of the most respected names in Greek shipping. Their business ventures trace back to the early 20th century. After World War II, the Laimos family received one of the 100 Liberty Vessels from the US, recognizing them for their contribution to the success of the war.