Mark complained of feeling ill during a night away with his family
19:48, 17 Aug 2025Updated 20:19, 17 Aug 2025
Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, died suddenly at home
A dad died suddenly shortly over a week after being bitten by a “venomous spider”, his family has claimed. Mark Anthony Kirby, from Prescot, died on Saturday, August 2, at the age of 38. Ex-partner of 16 years and mum to his children, Kayleigh Gill, told the ECHO before he died Mark had been bitten by one of his pet spiders which he purchased online a few weeks before.
Days later, the 38-year-old went to Scotland with Kayleigh, her partner and sister, for a night away where he complained of feeling ill. However, Kayleigh said he was still “playing pranks” during their meal in Toby Carvery before they drove back home to Prescot on July 26.
Throughout the following week, Mark complained of flu-like symptoms such as being too hot and too cold, as well as aching limbs.
On Saturday, August 2, he rang Kayleigh’s sister, Kath, who lives on the street over from his flat in Knowsley and complained he was unable to breathe properly.
Kath went round to the flat and called 999 before Mark collapsed.
Kath ran to his aid but when paramedics arrived at the scene at around lunchtime, they were unable to save him.
He was funny, caring, outgoing and such a people person”
Paying tribute to the dad-of-two, 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.
“He had bought five spiders online two or three weeks before and was obsessed with him.
“I think he bought them because he lived alone but he was always terrified of insects when we were together. Even though we had split up, we were best friends. He put our children first.”
Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, died suddenly at home
Kayleigh explained that the post mortem has so far been inconclusive in finding Mark’s cause of death but following the week-and-a-half of symptoms, she and his family believe his death is a result of the spider bite. Kayleigh said she is in “complete shock” following his tragic death.
The carer 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.”
Mark leaves behind his 18-year-old son Nathan-Mark and 17-year-old daughter Kimmy-Louise.