A 28-year-old Greek heiress was found dead in her London flat after being turned away from two hospitals following an insect bite, her mother claimed.
Marissa Laimou also known as Lemos was found lifeless in her bed by her housekeeper on September 11.
Just three days earlier, Greek media reported that she had developed dizziness, itching, a fever and other signs of infection.
She was prescribed paracetamol by a doctor who visited her home but Ms Laimou’s condition did not improve.
The heiress, who recently survived breast cancer then visited her oncologist at a hospital in London, who sent her to another hospital in an ambulance.
However, family and friends said nurses, rather than doctors, examined her and concluded she did not need to be admitted.
Ms Laimou was discharged in the early evening with antibiotics and a diagnosis that referred to an insect bite.
The following day she was found dead in her bed.
Marissa Laimou (pictured) also known as Lemos was found lifeless in her bed by her housekeeper on September 11
Pictured: Marissa with her mother Bessy. The heiress had recently survived breast cancer
Ms Laimou ( pictured) had recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London and was preparing another theatre project
Her mother, Bessy, told Greek media that toxic shock caused by an insect bite killed her, although it is currently unclear what type of insect bit her.
She said: ‘My daughter had survived cancer and died from an insect.’
Adding: ‘She was a girl with so many gifts, all of England is crying, all her doctors too’
Relatives said the autopsy had not yet been carried out – her aunt said her family would not have answers until the post mortem is complete.
The hospital involved has reportedly admitted that a serious mistake was made and opened an internal investigation.
Ms Laimou had recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London and was preparing another theatre project.
Her friends described her as talented, modest and devoted to the arts.
She had previously worked in Paris with designers Sonia Rykiel and John Galliano before founding Rainbow Wave, a company that introduced international brands to London stores.
The Laimos family are one of the best known names in Greek shipping, with business roots stretching back to the early 20th century.
