The deaths of a young couple found inside a parked car in a residential garage in Greece’s port city of Piraeus are under investigation, as authorities work to determine exactly what caused the tragedy.
The victims, a 28-year-old lawyer and his 24-year-old partner, a trainee lawyer, were discovered unconscious inside the vehicle on Tuesday morning by the man’s father. He immediately alerted police and emergency services and attempted to revive them before paramedics arrived, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents described the emotional scenes that unfolded after the discovery, recalling the cries of the victims’ parents as news of the deaths spread through the neighborhood. One resident told Greece’s public broadcaster ERT that the 24-year-old woman’s mother repeatedly cried, “I’ve lost my daughter,” describing the scene as “a great tragedy.” Another neighbor said the couple’s families were already outside the building when he arrived later that morning and speculated that exhaust fumes from the vehicle may have played a role in the incident.
According to initial information, investigators have ruled out signs of foul play, as neither victim had visible injuries. The investigation is focusing on the possibility of an accident involving carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities believe the car’s engine and air conditioning system may have been running while the vehicle was parked inside the enclosed garage, potentially allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate.
Residents described the emotional scenes that unfolded after the discovery, recalling the cries of the victims’ parents as news of the deaths spread through the neighborhood.
Forensic expert Dimitris Galentéris told broadcaster MEGA that carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, although vehicle exhaust fumes themselves have a noticeable smell, making it important not to draw conclusions before the investigation is complete.
He explained that carbon monoxide poisoning gradually causes drowsiness and lethargy before leading to unconsciousness and death, with the speed of onset depending on the concentration of the gas. While he said the circumstances appear more consistent with an accidental incident, he stressed that forensic and toxicological examinations are needed to confirm the cause of death.
The expert also noted that, unlike in some similar cases, investigators believe the victims were first exposed to exhaust fumes before losing consciousness. He added that there are currently no indications of violent or traumatic death.
The victims were both legal professionals at the beginning of their careers. The 28-year-old lived in the apartment building where the incident occurred and was described as well known in the neighborhood. He had also built a successful professional career at a major Athens law firm and was an active member of the Athens Bar Association’s football team.
