Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis, one of the country’s best-known performers, died suddenly at 54, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his final medical treatment.
Mazonakis had reportedly visited a private medical practice in central Athens for scheduled plasmapheresis before suffering cardiac arrest. He was taken to Elpis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sept. 9.
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Investigators Examine What Happened
Authorities are investigating what treatment had been planned, whether plasmapheresis had begun, who was responsible and what medical assessment preceded it. They are also checking the practice’s license, equipment and staffing.
Greek media reports say the doctor responsible for Mazonakis’ treatment testified that plasmapheresis had not started when his condition suddenly deteriorated. He had reportedly visited the practice the previous day and appeared weakened, with difficulties in speech.
Investigators are expected to review his medical history, symptoms and test results. Two doctors were released after giving statements Wednesday night, while a forensic examination is expected to establish the cause of death.
Questions Over The Practice’s License
Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said the facility was licensed as an internal medicine practice, not a clinic, and argued that plasmapheresis was not permitted under that license. He ordered an inspection by the Athens Medical Association.
Association President Giorgos Patoulis said previous inspections had not recorded a plasmapheresis machine at the practice. A new committee is checking the premises, equipment and staffing.
The doctors’ lawyer, however, said the machines had been properly declared and that the practice was operating lawfully. The Central Health Council is expected to review the rules governing specialized procedures in private practices.
What Is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis separates plasma from blood before returning the blood cells and platelets to the patient, with the removed plasma replaced by a specialized solution.
Doctors Konstantinos Giannakas and Thanos Dimopoulos of the University of Athens said the procedure is used for certain serious blood, neurological and immune-related diseases. It requires prior assessment and continuous monitoring, with possible complications including low blood pressure, low calcium levels, allergic reactions, bleeding and, more rarely, arrhythmias.
A Three-Decade Career
Born in Nikaia, Piraeus, in 1972, Mazonakis was discovered by PolyGram in 1992 and released his debut album the following year. He became a major figure in contemporary Greek laïko, with a strong following in Greece and Cyprus.
His career included performances in Germany, Australia and the United States, as well as Sofia in 2012 and 2023 and Tirana in 2024. He also appeared as a judge on The Voice of Greece.
