Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the death of a 29-year-old Greek Coast Guard officer found hanged at a small chapel in Lesvos, with evidence suggesting possible foul play.
The officer’s shoes and mobile phone were discovered 87 kilometres from the site, raising suspicions among his family and friends, who reject the initial theory of suicide.
The officer, recently married and described as cheerful by those close to him, was found dead on the afternoon of Good Friday near a marble cross at the chapel. Security footage captured his vehicle heading toward Sigri, Lesvos, hours before his death, with another car closely following.
At 5:03 p.m., cameras recorded his vehicle near the chapel, trailed by a second car just seconds later. Relatives point to multiple stab wounds on his body, questioning how he could have sustained such injuries if the death was self-inflicted. “He had four or five stab wounds. Did he stab himself and then hang himself?” they asked, insisting the case points to a “well-organized criminal act.”
The officer’s mother reported that he appeared distressed when he visited her home, 37 kilometres from his own, before driving 53 kilometres to the chapel. She believes he was attacked prior to his death. His wife, devastated by the loss, described their plans for the weekend, including preparing Easter meals together. “We were doing so well. He made me breakfast that morning,” she told authorities, noting a phone call around 1:10 p.m. where he asked her to buy cigarettes and expressed his love. She emphasised that he showed no signs of intending to harm himself and that they shared their locations with each other, making his sudden disappearance unusual.
Investigators are analysing the officer’s mobile phone, found by police after a search in the Profitis Ilias area, along with his shoes, which were located separately by his family and authorities. The family’s lawyer confirmed that a new autopsy, attended by their technical consultant, is scheduled to provide further clarity. The officer, who served in the Coast Guard’s drug enforcement unit and was on medical leave, had not reported any threats, according to those close to him.
Police are reviewing security footage and plan to question the drivers of vehicles seen following the officer’s car. “Something happened during Holy Week that changed everything,” a source told Mega TV. While no scenario has been ruled out, the discovery of the officer’s belongings far from the chapel and the suspicious circumstances have fueled speculation of a targeted attack.
The case has gripped the island, with the officer’s loved ones demanding answers. “He was always smiling. I can’t believe he would take his own life,” a friend said. As the investigation continues, authorities hope the phone data and forensic findings will shed light on the tragic events.