A three-year-old boy has died from starvation in northern Greece, authorities said, after an autopsy concluded that prolonged malnutrition led to multiple organ failure and ultimately cardiac arrest.

The child was brought to the University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli— a regional city in northeastern Greece—by his mother shortly before noon, but doctors confirmed he was already dead. Medical examiners reported visible signs of severe malnutrition on the child’s body, underscoring a direct link between starvation and his death.

According to preliminary findings, the exact duration of the child’s malnutrition has not yet been determined. However, investigators believe the boy may have died approximately 24 hours before he was taken to the hospital.

Police arrested the 23-year-old mother on charges related to endangering a minor. Following the completion of the autopsy, authorities are preparing a criminal case file that will be submitted to a prosecutor, who is expected to formally bring charges.

The mother lives in a Roma settlement in Alexandroupoli and, along with her parents—who had been hosting the family—remains under questioning by police. All are expected to appear before prosecutors as the investigation continues.

Authorities are also examining the broader family circumstances to determine how the child was deprived of food and for how long. The child’s father, who is of Turkish origin, is reported to live and work abroad. Officials noted that the family’s two other children do not show signs of malnutrition, though living conditions are still under review.

The case has sparked shock and concern as investigators work to clarify the circumstances that led to the child’s death.