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Father Dies Weeks After Being Bitten by His Newly Purchased Venomous Spider
17 Aug
Summary
- Man purchased venomous spiders online just weeks before his death
- Died over a week after developing flu-like symptoms and breathing issues
- Ex-partner believes spider bite was likely cause of death
In a tragic incident, a father from Prescot, Merseyside has died after being bitten by his own venomous spider that he had purchased online just weeks prior. The 34-year-old man, Mark Anthony Kirby, had become increasingly obsessed with the spiders, despite previously being terrified of insects.
According to Kirby's ex-partner of 16 years, Kayleigh Gill, the incident occurred while the family was on a trip to Scotland on July 26. Kirby had complained of feeling ill during a meal at a Toby Carvery, but was still "playing pranks" with the group. Over the following week, Kirby continued to experience flu-like symptoms, including a fluctuating temperature and aching limbs.
On August 2, Kirby called his sister-in-law, Kath, saying he was unable to breathe properly. Kath rushed to Kirby's flat, where she called emergency services, but they were unable to save him. Kirby's ex-partner, Kayleigh, believes the spider bite was the likely cause of his death, as the post-mortem examination has been inconclusive so far.
Kirby leaves behind his 18-year-old son Nathan-Mark and 17-year-old daughter Kimmy-Louise, who Kayleigh describes as "brilliant" and the "life and soul of the party." She also believes that owning such venomous spiders should require a license, to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
