Ilioupoli school principal dies after cardiac arrest

Vasiliki-Maria Tzouveli, the 50-year-old principal of the 2nd Gymnasium in Ilioupoli, has passed away following a medical emergency. The Municipality of Ilioupoli confirmed her death on Saturday, October 3, describing her as an ‘irreplaceable loss’ to the school community and public education.

The incident occurred on the morning of September 22, when Ms. Tzouveli collapsed while walking toward the school during severe weather and heavy lightning activity in Attica. While reports indicate a lightning strike occurred in close proximity, it has not been confirmed if she was directly struck; some accounts suggest the intense thunderclap caused extreme shock, leading to her cardiac arrest.

Bystanders, a school nurse, and EKAB emergency responders performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the initial response and throughout her transport to the Red Cross Hospital. Although medical staff managed to restore her heart function, she remained in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit for several days before succumbing to her condition. The municipality noted her significant contributions to the school, including the creation of creative expression clubs and partnerships with local cultural institutions.