The news of Iro Kariophylli’s passing brought deep sorrow to the entire journalism community, as she was known for being one of television’s most dynamic and courageous reporters. Over many years, the respected journalist worked at ALPHA TV, where she became a familiar face and cherished colleague. On Tuesday morning (01.07.2025), the team of ‘Happy Day’ alongside Dimos Verykios publicly bid farewell to Kariophylli on air.
Verykios described her as a powerful, determined woman from Serres who was born to be a high-risk reporter. He recalled that she was the first ALPHA correspondent to reach the war zone in Ukraine two and a half years ago. Upon returning, she experienced some health issues but postponed medical tests due to work commitments, including covering the Tempi tragedy. Her diagnosis came just before Easter two years ago.
Despite battling illness privately for a long time, Kariophylli continued reporting, even broadcasting via phone when she could no longer walk. Colleagues like Stamatis Tsimtsili recalled seeing her with her mother in Kifisia just a month prior, while Manos Niflis shared heartfelt memories of their final meeting. Many journalists paid tribute on social media, including Maria Nikoltsiou, Rina Kouvelioti, and Haris Lembidakis, all expressing grief and admiration for her courage and dedication.
Kouvelioti noted how Greek journalism feels poorer without her strong voice and laughter. Iro Kariophylli will be laid to rest tomorrow at 11:30 AM at the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Serres’ New Skopos area.