Merseyside Father Dies One Week After Reported Bite from Newly Purchased Pet Spider

Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, died just weeks after reportedly being bitten by one of his spiders

A 38-year-old father from Prescot, Merseyside, has died after reportedly being bitten by a pet spider he bought just weeks earlier.

Mark Anthony Kirby is believed to have been bitten shortly after purchasing several spiders online. Family members said he began experiencing flu-like symptoms within days of the incident.

Despite feeling unwell, Mark traveled to Scotland with his former partner, Kayleigh Gill, her partner, and her sister on July 26 for a short trip. During the journey, he continued to complain of illness but tried to stay in good spirits, even joking during a group meal.

Over the following week, Mark reported worsening symptoms, including fluctuating body temperature and aching limbs. On August 2, he called Kayleigh’s sister, who lives nearby in Knowsley, saying he was having difficulty breathing. She rushed to his flat and immediately contacted emergency services. Mark collapsed shortly afterward and, despite efforts by paramedics, died at the scene.

Paying tribute, Kayleigh described Mark as “funny, caring, outgoing and such a people person” and said he was a devoted father to their two children. She explained that Mark had purchased five spiders online two to three weeks before his death and had become “obsessed” with them despite previously being afraid of insects.

The exact species of spider involved is not known.