Former Archanes-Asterousia deputy mayor Giorgos Polyzoakis found dead in Crete field

Fatal gunshot incident in Agies Paraskies

Authorities in Crete launched an investigation on Thursday night following the death of Giorgos Polyzoakis, an active municipal councillor and former deputy mayor of Archanes-Asterousia. The local official was found dead in an agricultural field located in the village of Agies Paraskies, situated within the Heraklion regional unit. Emergency response teams and officers from the Hellenic Police moved to the site to cordon off the area and gather forensic evidence. Initial medical and police assessments confirmed that he suffered a fatal wound inflicted by a hunting shotgun. Police investigators noted that early evidence points toward suicide, though officers continue a comprehensive preliminary examination of all aspects of the case until the exact circumstances are clarified.

Disappearance and coordinated community search

The discovery followed an extensive community search that began after Polyzoakis ceased all contact on the morning of 3 September 2026. The sudden loss of contact raised concerns among his family and acquaintances, who sounded the alarm when he did not appear or respond throughout the day. In response, local residents and fellow villagers from Agies Paraskies formed coordinated search teams during the afternoon, using motor vehicles to scour rural roads and agricultural plots across the wider district. The search concluded at approximately 21:00 on Thursday night, when search party members located his body in a local field and immediately notified law enforcement.

Political background and professional work

Polyzoakis maintained a long-standing public presence in the governance of Archanes-Asterousia. He served as a sitting municipal councillor after winning election on the ticket of current Mayor Manolis Kokosalis. In previous municipal administrations, he served as deputy mayor, undertaking high-responsibility leadership portfolios across the local authority. Outside his administrative career, Polyzoakis was an entrepreneur who operated an auto body repair workshop in the area. He was a father of two adult children, with reporting describing him as 65 years old, though one local report listed his age as 60.

Sports leadership and community tributes

In addition to his political career, Polyzoakis was closely tied to local athletics through his involvement with football club F.S. Koroivos. He originally played for the team as a footballer before taking on administrative responsibilities and eventually becoming the club president. The Polyzoakis family was among the founding members of F.S. Koroivos, a connection that continued into the next generation when his son, Christoforos Polyzoakis, also served as club president. Following the news of his death, the board, coaching staff, and players of F.S. Koroivos released an official statement of mourning.

The board, coaching staff, and footballers of F.S. Koroivos are deeply shocked and devastated by the unexpected loss of Giorgos Polyzoakis.

In its formal statement, the club leadership extended sincere condolences to his family and praised the enduring contributions of the Polyzoakis family to the athletic organization.