The London arts and social community is reeling after the sudden death of Greek heiress Marissa Laimou, also known as Lemos.
The 28-year-old was found dead in her London flat on September 11 by her housekeeper, just days after suffering from symptoms that appeared to be linked to an insect bite.
A Battle with Illness That Escalated Quickly
Marissa reportedly began feeling unwell three days prior, experiencing dizziness, itching, a fever, and other signs of infection.
A doctor visited her home and prescribed paracetamol, but her condition failed to improve.
Despite recently beating breast cancer, Marissa’s health took a rapid downturn.
Her mother, Bessy Laimou, said Marissa visited her oncologist at a London hospital, only to be transferred to another facility by ambulance.
Shockingly, nurses – rather than doctors – examined her and decided she did not require admission.
She was discharged that same evening with antibiotics and a diagnosis pointing to an insect bite. Tragically, she was found dead the following day.
Family Speaks Out on Cause of Death
Bessy Laimou told Greek media that her daughter died from toxic shock caused by an insect bite, though the type of insect remains unknown.
“My daughter had survived cancer and died from an insect,” she said, expressing her heartbreak.
She added, “She was a girl with so many gifts, all of England is crying, all her doctors too.”
Relatives confirmed that an autopsy has yet to be completed, with her aunt noting that the family will have answers only after the post-mortem examination is finished.
Hospital Admits Error and Launches Investigation
The hospital involved has reportedly acknowledged a serious mistake in handling Marissa’s case and has opened an internal investigation to determine what went wrong.
A Life Dedicated to Art and Fashion
Marissa Laimou was not only a member of one of Greece’s most prominent shipping families but also a rising star in the arts and fashion world.
She had recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London and was preparing another theatre project.
Friends described her as talented, modest, and deeply committed to the arts.
Before founding her company, Rainbow Wave, which introduced international brands to London stores, Marissa worked in Paris with renowned designers Sonia Rykiel and John Galliano.
Her creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit had made her a respected figure in both the arts and business communities.
A Legacy Remembered
The Laimos family has been a key name in Greek shipping since the early 20th century, and Marissa’s untimely death has left both her family and the wider community mourning a young woman whose promise and talents were only beginning to flourish.