Mark Anthony Kirby, a 38-year-old father from Prescot, died on Saturday, August 2, after being bitten by what his family believe was a venomous spider he had purchased online. The incident has highlighted concerns about the unregulated sale of exotic pets through internet platforms.
Kirby had bought five spiders online two to three weeks before his death and had become obsessed with them, according to his ex-partner of 16 years, Kayleigh Gill. The purchase was particularly unusual as Kirby was "always terrified of insects" when they were together, but he now lived alone and may have bought them for companionship.
Scotland trip and declining health
Days after the spider bite, Kirby travelled to Scotland with Kayleigh, her partner and sister for a short getaway. Despite feeling unwell during the trip, he was still "playing pranks" during their meal at Toby Carvery before they returned home to Prescot on July 26.
Over the following week, Kirby experienced flu-like symptoms including fluctuating body temperature and aching limbs. The symptoms persisted for more than a week, causing increasing concern among his family members.
Final day and emergency response
On the morning of August 2, Kirby contacted Kayleigh's sister Kath, who lives nearby in Knowsley, complaining of breathing difficulties. Kath rushed to his flat and called 999, but Kirby collapsed shortly after her arrival.
Despite the immediate response and paramedics arriving around midday, they were unable to revive him. The father-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family tribute and concerns
Paying tribute to Kirby, Kayleigh said: "He was funny, caring, outgoing and such a people person. He was a brilliant dad to our two children and was always the life and soul of the party." Despite their separation, Kayleigh revealed they remained best friends and that Kirby "put our children first."
The post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive in determining Kirby's cause of death. However, after the week and a half of symptoms following the spider bite, his family believe his death resulted from the incident.
Calls for regulation
Kayleigh said: "He told me about the bite and I said he needed to go to hospital but he didn't. People shouldn't be able to buy these spiders online, people should need licences to own them." She remains in "complete shock" following his tragic death.
Kirby is survived by his 18-year-old son Nathan-Mark and 17-year-old daughter Kimmy-Louise. The family's experience has raised questions about the accessibility of potentially dangerous exotic pets through online retailers.
Sources used: "Chronicle Live", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
