A father-of-two has died after being bitten by a venomous spider he purchased online, according to his former partner. Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, from Prescot, Merseyside, died on Saturday, August 2, weeks after buying the pet spider.
His former partner, Kayleigh Gill, said Mr Kirby had complained of flu-like symptoms after a trip to Scotland. Despite feeling unwell, he was still 'playing pranks' during a meal at a Toby Carvery on July 26. The following week, he experienced hot and cold flushes and aching limbs.
On August 2, Mr Kirby called Ms Gill's sister, Kath, complaining of breathing difficulties. She went to his flat and called 999, but he collapsed before paramedics arrived. Paramedics were unable to save him.
Ms Gill paid tribute to Mr Kirby, describing him as 'funny, caring, outgoing and such a people person' and a brilliant father to their two children. She said he had bought five spiders online two or three weeks before his death and was obsessed with them, even though he was terrified of insects when they were together.
The post-mortem has so far been inconclusive, but the family believes the spider bite caused his death. Ms Gill said: 'He told me about the bite and I said he needed to go to hospital but he didn't. People shouldn't be able to buy these spiders online, people should need licences to own them.'
