A new chapter is unfolding in the case of Vasilis Kalogirou, son of a prosecutor of Larissa, following the discovery of his body on a hill in Tyrnavos on Monday afternoon.
The 39-year-old psychologist had been missing since December 30. His body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, making it difficult for forensic experts to determine the exact cause of death. Damage caused by fauna has further complicated the investigation.
The case has drawn significant media attention due to Kalogirou’s mother’s role as son of a top Larissa prosecutor involved in the ongoing Tempi rail collision investigation. The 2023 disaster, which claimed the lives of 57 people—mostly young passengers—has left the Greek government facing allegations of a cover-up, sparking nationwide protests across multiple sectors.
Ongoing Forensic Examination
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday did not yield conclusive results. Authorities are now awaiting histological and toxicological tests, which may provide further insight into the circumstances of his death. Additionally, forensic sources indicate that an anthropological study may be necessary to analyze skeletal injuries and determine whether they were inflicted before or after death.
An expert will examine the remains to assess whether the injuries are consistent with animal activity or could suggest another cause. Initial findings indicate that Kalogirou likely died a few days after he was reported missing.
Foul Play Has Not Been Ruled Out
Investigators have not ruled out any possibilities, keeping open three main scenarios including accidental death, suicide, and criminal acts such as asphyxiation, poisoning, or strangulation.
Kalogirou’s family has publicly supported the third scenario, believing that foul play was involved. His mother, Sofia Kalogirou, has made social media posts implying that her son was murdered. In a message shortly after his body was discovered, she wrote:
” I am Vasilis, the one you were searching for. With God’s grace, I have found Paradise and see Christ, whom I love so much. But you, who threw me to the mountains with wild animals, along with your heartless boss—what fate awaits you?”
Unanswered Questions and Private Investigator’s Concerns
As Kalogirou’s body was discovered 18 km from the point he was last seen, authorities are questioning how he could have reached the remote area in which his body was found. They will try to determine whether he was transported there, when he arrived at the location, and whether or not he was already deceased when arriving on the mountain.
Private investigator Giorgos Tsoukalas, hired by the family, has raised doubts about the official narrative of Kalogirou’s death in a televised interview. He questioned whether Kalogirou could have walked such a long distance in challenging terrain, especially considering the time required and the presence of livestock pens with guard dogs along the route.
“How feasible was it for Vasilis to cover 15-16 km on the day he disappeared, December 30? Even a fit person can walk about 4 km per hour, meaning he would have needed at least 4-5 hours to reach that location,” he said.
He also pointed out that the area was active with hunters at the time. “If the body had been there all along, why didn’t hunters see it?”
Additionally, the body was found near a livestock farm where the owner reported that his dogs barked persistently for several days. Tsoukalas questioned why they had not reacted earlier if the body had been there for a longer period.
Students take part in a demonstration to demand justice for the 2023 Tempe fatal train accident, in Athens , Greece on February 7, 2025.
Hunter’s Testimony: ‘Someone Put the Body There’
A local hunter stated that he and his group had hunted in the area until January 15 and saw no sign of a body. He insisted that even if they had missed it, their 15 hunting dogs would have detected it.
“At the end of January, we went back and still saw nothing. In early February, we passed by the same spot many times, but there was no sign of it. The dogs would have found it. Someone placed his body there,” he claimed.
Local Official: ‘Difficult for the Body to Have Gone Unnoticed’
The village chief, Dimitris Rizos, also expressed skepticism, noting that the area is frequented by farmers, hunters, and livestock breeders.
“Behind the site where the body was found, there are water boreholes belonging to the municipal water company. There is regular movement in the area. It’s hard to believe that the body was there for so long without being seen,” he said.
Εικόνες από drone από το πολύνεκρο σιδηροδρομικό δυστύχημα στα Τέμπη έξω από την Λάρισα, σύγκρουση εμπορικής και επιβατικής αμαξοστοιχίας, Τετάρτη 1 Μαρτίου 2023 (MOTIONTEAM/ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ ΒΕΡΒΕΡΙΔΗΣ)
Funeral Set for Wednesday
Vasilis Kalogirou’s funeral will take place on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of Saint Achillios in Larissa.
