The sudden death of a 16-year-old girl outside a nightclub in the Gazi district of Athens has sparked widespread shock, renewed debate over underage drinking, and a protest by her schoolmates demanding respect for her memory.
The girl, identified only as Anna, collapsed on the sidewalk outside a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday, 19 October. Despite immediate medical assistance, she later died at the Evangelismos Hospital. Initial forensic findings cited pulmonary embolism as a possible cause of death, but toxicology and histology tests are still pending to determine whether alcohol, drugs, or other factors were involved.
Conflicting reports between authorities
The case has also exposed a dispute between the Hellenic Police and the Health Ministry over when authorities were notified. Police officials claim they never received a call from the hospital at the time of Anna’s admission, while Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis insists that the police were informed as required.
Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou stated there is no recorded emergency call linked to the incident, adding that investigations are ongoing and no definitive link between alcohol or substances and the death has yet been established.
A night that ended in tragedy
According to reports, Anna had spent the evening at a birthday gathering in the southern Athens suburb of Kallithea before heading with friends to the nightclub in Gazi. Video footage shows the group purchasing drinks at a mini market before entering the club. Witnesses told police the teenagers had consumed alcohol, though none appeared visibly intoxicated.
One friend told investigators that after having a drink inside the venue, Anna complained she felt unwell and stepped outside before collapsing moments later. Another young man, aged 24, who was with the group, called emergency services at 1:50 a.m. Paramedics arrived within minutes, but despite their efforts, she could not be revived.
Anna’s father told reporters his daughter had no serious health conditions, describing her as a cheerful teenager who had told her parents she would be staying with a friend that night.
Investigators await test results
Forensic expert Grigoris Leon explained that the forthcoming toxicological and histological examinations will be crucial in determining what led to the teen’s death. “All possibilities remain open,” he said, noting that even legal alcoholic beverages can be fatal for minors when consumed in excessive quantities.
Student protest over school’s response
Meanwhile, the tragedy has deeply affected Anna’s school community. Her classmates have occupied the school building, accusing the principal of showing insensitivity in handling the loss.
In a statement, the student council said the occupation is both an “act of respect and love” for their late classmate and a protest against the administration’s lack of compassion. Students claimed the principal promised to close the school on the day of the funeral but failed to do so, calling the decision “disrespectful.”
They also criticized the continuation of music during school breaks, saying it was inappropriate during a period of mourning.
Broader concerns about underage drinking
The incident has reignited concern in Greece about the ease with which minors can access alcohol. According to the latest European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), 92% of Greek students consider it easy to obtain alcoholic beverages — among the highest rates in Europe.
