A father from Merseyside reportedly died after being bitten by a “venomous” pet spider he had recently purchased online, according to his former partner.
Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, from Prescot, passed away on Saturday, August 2. His ex-partner, Kayleigh Gill, said Mark had bought the spider just a few weeks earlier. She recalled a trip to Scotland with him, her partner, and her sister, during which Mark complained of feeling unwell, though he still joked and played pranks during a meal at Toby Carvery on July 26 before returning home to Prescot.
In the week following the trip, Mark experienced flu-like symptoms, including alternating chills and fevers and aching limbs. On August 2, he called Kayleigh’s sister, Kath, who lived nearby, complaining that he was struggling to breathe. Kath rushed to his flat in Knowsley and called 999, but paramedics were unable to save him.
Paying tribute, Kayleigh described Mark as “funny, caring, outgoing, and the life of the party,” adding that he was devoted to their two children, 18-year-old Nathan-Mark and 17-year-old Kimmy-Louise. She said he had recently bought five spiders online and had become obsessed with them, despite previously being afraid of insects.
The post-mortem has so far been inconclusive in determining the exact cause of death. However, based on his week-long symptoms and the spider bite, Kayleigh and the family believe it contributed to his sudden passing. She urged stricter regulations on the sale of venomous spiders, suggesting licenses should be required for ownership.
Kayleigh said she is in “complete shock” over the tragic loss of her former partner, whom she remained close to despite their split.
