Greek police are investigating the death of an 82-year-old man who died following a fight over a sunbed on the Athens Riviera. The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the popular Vouliagmeni beach, with authorities confirming the man had arrived before 10:00 to secure a sunbed.
According to reports, the 82-year-old began arguing with another beachgoer, whom authorities described as a 76-year-old man unknown to the victim, when it became clear that sunbeds were in short supply. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, and reportedly others present joined the fight. State television ERT reported that people accompanying the attacker were also involved.
The victim, who was with his wife, is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest during the scuffle. The seriously injured 82-year-old was taken by ambulance to Asklepieion hospital in Vouli, where he died around 11:00. An inquest was immediately ordered.
Police have arrested the 76-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman who was with him. The resort manager has also been detained for questioning. A source stated that the incident is under investigation and described the fight as unprecedented. 'In Greece, disagreements are expressed verbally, with much shouting and noise, not with fists, especially between two older men,' the source said.
Greece is facing a severe cost-of-living crisis that has heightened tensions and strained social relations. The rise in domestic violence and other disputes has been partly attributed to the pressures of everyday life. In recent years, anger has grown over private renters occupying the best coastal areas with excessively expensive sunbeds, in a country where the sea holds a significant place in the national identity.
Authorities have announced that 'all' those involved in the incident will appear before a judge.
