Rethymnon’s society remains overwhelmed by the family tragedy that unfolded in the city hospital when An 87 -year -old man shot and killed his 85 -year -old wifewho fought with cancer before turning the carbine to himself.
According to the latest data, the old man left handwriting note Next to his wife’s bed, explaining the reasons that led him to the honored act. The note was addressed to their son, describing with pain and despair his unbearable sadness to see his beloved partner melting daily from cancer, without hope of treatment.
The time of the tragedy
The 85 -year -old, as it became known, had been diagnosed with cancer in the final stage Just a few days before the tragic event. After surgery, one day remained in the ICU and was transferred to a simple bed. The 87 -year -old was constantly next to her.
In the morning of the tragedy, the husband locked their son on the balconytook the carbine and shot twice his wifeending her anxiety. Then self -proclaimedin the same room. Despite the superhuman efforts of doctors, he ended up a few hours later.
A life together – and in death
Neighbors and friends describe a inseparable and tender coupletogether from their youth. The man, as they say, loved his wife And she had collapsed watching her suffer. Everybody speaks of an act “motivated by love and despair”, a kind of euthanasia for which, for which There is no legal or moral alibi.
The Commander of the Rethymnon Hospital, Nikos Malliarosconfirms the image of the affection and care that the elderly had to his wife, but also points out the shocking nature of the act:
“They were a very beloved couple, known in the local community. The act of the 87 -year -old was in introductory “redemption”, based on what he left written, but it does not cease to be a family tragedy that must awaken us. “
Moral and social questions
The case has opened a wide public dialogue In Greece for euthanasia, the mental deterioration of end -stage patients, and the need to support families tested by severe diseases. He has also raised questions about security in hospitals as the old man managed to enter with a gun In the hospital room, without anyone realizing it.