Rethymno Tragedy: 87-Year-Old Man Euthanizes His Cancer-Ridden Wife

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Rethymno on May 31, 2025, when an 87-year-old man shot his 86-year-old wife, who was battling terminal cancer, before taking his own life. Nikos Malliaros, the hospital director, revealed that the elderly man had been tirelessly caring for his spouse during her illness, with no visible signs of conflict between them. Around 9 a.m., the wife, recovering from recent surgery, was shot twice by her husband in their hospital room. The man then turned the gun on himself and succumbed to his injuries around noon. According to the director, the couple was well-loved in Rethymno society, and the husband had shown immense dedication in supporting his wife through her health struggles. Despite security measures, the man managed to bring a weapon into the hospital unnoticed, as personal belongings of visitors are not routinely checked. Evidence suggests the act was motivated by the desire to spare his wife further suffering from cancer. Psychologically overwhelmed, he followed suit. Tragically, their son was present but was reportedly locked out on the balcony moments before the fatal incident.