Young woman dies from gunshot wound at Crete shooting range

Incident at Malevizio shooting range

On the morning of Saturday, 27 June 2026, a young woman died after a gunshot wound at the municipal shooting range in Malevizio, Heraklion, Crete. The victim, originally from Thessaloniki, had been handling a firearm at the facility. Local media reported that she told the range supervisor, "Go further back, you're stressing me," moments before turning the weapon on herself. The bullet struck her neck, causing severe bleeding.

Emergency response and hospitalisation

Paramedics from the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAV) arrived at the scene and transported the woman to Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion. Rescuers noted that she was conscious upon transfer but in critical condition with uncontrolled haemorrhaging from the neck wound. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Investigation into the circumstances

The Hellenic Police have opened an investigation. Authorities are examining whether the death was suicide or an accidental discharge, and have not ruled out any scenario. One line of inquiry focuses on the woman's status: whether she was a licensed sport shooter with legal access to the weapon or an ordinary citizen who should not have been given a firearm. Initial reports from various local sources presented conflicting possibilities, and officials are working to clarify the sequence of events.