Marissa Laimou, a 28-year-old heiress to a Greek shipping fortune, has died in London from suspected toxic shock caused by an insect bite, according to her mother. The former cancer patient was found dead in her apartment on September 11 by her housekeeper.
Ms Laimou first fell ill on September 8, experiencing dizziness, itching, fever and other signs of infection. A doctor prescribed paracetamol, but her condition worsened. She later visited a London hospital and saw her oncologist, who arranged for her transfer to another hospital by ambulance.
However, family and friends said nurses examined her and concluded she did not need admission. She was discharged with antibiotics and a diagnosis of an insect bite. Her mother, Bessy Laimou, told Greek media: 'My daughter had survived cancer and died from an insect.'
The hospital involved has reportedly acknowledged a serious mistake and launched an internal investigation. A post-mortem examination has not yet been conducted and is expected to take about a week.
Ms Laimou was described by friends as a talented and modest theatre producer, who recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London. The Laimos family are prominent figures in Greek shipping.
