The Greek political world is in mourning following the sudden death of Lena Samaras, the 34-year-old daughter of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife, Georgia.

Lena passed away late on Thursday, August 7, after suffering two severe epileptic seizures. According to reports, she was first taken to Sismanoglio Hospital in Athens with a severe headache, where doctors managed to stabilise her. On medical advice, she was transferred to Evangelismos Hospital, where she suffered a second seizure. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest. Medical staff attempted resuscitation for 40 minutes but were unable to save her.

Lena Samaras was the great-great-granddaughter of renowned Greek author Penelope Delta and granddaughter of prominent cardiologist Konstantinos Samaras, a former director of Evangelismos Hospital. A civil engineer and graduate of City University of London, she largely avoided the public eye, preferring a quiet life. She was passionate about sports, especially tennis, representing Athens College in competitions and even taking part in a Greek Embassy event in Beijing ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Her rare public appearances included attending a 2009 performance of Aristophanes’ The Birds at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus with her parents.

News of her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the Greek political spectrum. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the loss as “sudden and deeply unjust,” offering words of courage to the family. Former prime ministers, party leaders, ministers, and MPs have issued statements of sympathy, with many noting that no words can ease the pain of losing a child.

The New Democracy party, which Antonis Samaras once led, released a statement expressing “deep sorrow and pain” and wishing the family strength to endure this “unbearable loss.” Similar condolences came from all major political parties in Greece.

Lena Samaras is survived by her parents and her brother, Konstantinos.