Greek Paralympic athlete Giannis Sevdikalis has published an emotional farewell message to singer Giorgos Mazonakis following his death on September 10, 2026, revealing how the performer supported him through a double leg amputation.
Sevdikalis shared details of their long friendship as Greek authorities arrested two doctors, Ioanna Gaka and Theodoropoulos, on charges of fatal exposure in connection with the singer's sudden passing.
Sevdikalis shares story of recovery and support
Sevdikalis wrote that he was 21 years old and working as a waiter at the venue where Mazonakis was performing when he suffered a severe train accident. The incident led to the double amputation of his legs and completely overturned his life in a single second.
The Paralympian recalled that Mazonakis was among the very first people to rush to his side. He explained that the singer provided constant support financially, practically, and above all humanly throughout his long recovery.
According to Sevdikalis, Mazonakis referred to him as his hero in every message and meeting. Sevdikalis noted that those words gave him immense strength during times when he was struggling to stand on his feet again.
Sevdikalis is a Greek Paralympic track and field athlete who went on to represent Greece in international sports competitions following his recovery. Mazonakis was one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Greek popular music, with a career spanning several decades across major venues in Athens and Greece.
Collaboration and undelivered gift
The athlete also highlighted his appearance in the music video for Mazonakis's song titled Thavma. Sevdikalis described the filming not merely as a shoot, but as a shared piece of life and a lasting reminder that miracles occur when love and faith exist.
Sevdikalis revealed that he and his partner Sofia had crafted a custom necklace engraved with Mazonakis's monogram. However, they never had the chance to present the gift to him before he died.
The Paralympian stated that he would keep the necklace forever as a talisman, alongside his memories of the singer's generosity and big heart. He concluded his tribute by thanking Mazonakis from the bottom of his heart and wishing him a peaceful journey into the light.
Police investigation and doctor arrests
The tribute comes as law enforcement authorities in Greece arrested doctors Ioanna Gaka and Theodoropoulos on September 10, 2026. Both medical professionals face charges of fatal exposure relating to the singer's treatment prior to his death.
Dr Ioanna Gaka had administered a specialized plasmapheresis treatment to Mazonakis. Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure where blood plasma is separated from blood cells, typically performed to remove antibodies or toxins from the bloodstream.
Investigators discovered significant contradictions regarding the timeline of events at the clinic. While the doctors initially claimed that Mazonakis arrived after 4:00 p.m., security camera footage revealed that the singer actually entered the clinic shortly after 1:00 p.m., leaving a three-hour period unaccounted for by clinic staff.
Medical experts and clinic details
Medical experts issued statements following the incident, warning that plasmapheresis must strictly take place inside a hospital setting. The experts emphasized that patients undergoing the treatment face risks of severe hemodynamic instability that require continuous hospital monitoring.
Prior reports indicated that prescriptions signed by Dr Ioanna Gaka had previously been uncovered during a law enforcement inspection of a pharmacy described as an anabolic steroids manufacturing facility. Additionally, a former patient reported that obtaining an appointment at the Theodoropoulos and Gaka clinic was nearly impossible due to extreme demand and restrictions.
The family of Giorgos Mazonakis has appointed a technical consultant to oversee the inquiry, with an official autopsy scheduled for September 11, 2026, to determine the exact cause of death. Legal sources also noted that while Mazonakis intended to draft a formal will, he did not manage to do so before passing away, meaning his entire estate will legally pass to his surviving family.
Colleagues pay tribute across Greece
News of the singer's death sparked widespread tributes across the Greek arts and entertainment community. Fellow performer Sakis Rouvas expressed deep shock online, stating that words were insufficient to convey his sorrow and wishing his friend a peaceful journey.
Composer Stamatis Kraounakis revealed that he had spoken with Mazonakis on the telephone for an hour just one day before his death. Kraounakis described the singer as a genuine, clean, and authentic person who remained true to his traditional roots.
Musician Michalis Kouinelis recalled working alongside Mazonakis on his final recorded song. Kouinelis noted that he had cautioned Mazonakis that the track felt somewhat heavy, to which Mazonakis replied that the heavy mood reflected exactly how he felt at the time.
Actor Marios Athanasiou paid emotional tribute during a theatrical performance in Larissa by performing the song Dyskola Fengaria. Meanwhile, performer Panos Mouzourakis addressed his audience from the stage, remarking that on certain occasions silence speaks louder than words.
Musical legacy and personal memories
Songwriter Foivos Delivorias stated that he felt the ground move beneath his feet upon hearing of the artist's passing, while media producer Acun Ilicali declared that he would always remember Mazonakis for his unique soul and generous heart.
Special musical dedications took place across various venues, including a live performance of Eisai To Lathos Mou To Teleftaio by the group Chatzifrageta. At the Alsos Theatre, a rendition of Ores Mikres led an emotional audience member to shout out a final farewell to the singer.
Another tribute published online featured a performance of the song Na Pernas rendered entirely in sign language. Archive footage also surfaced online showing an 18-year-old Mazonakis performing a song by Giannis Parios during a school celebration early in his career.
Friends noted that Mazonakis passed away one year after the loss of his beloved pet dog, which the singer had frequently described as the greatest love of his life. Detailed accounts of his life also remembered his deep passion for his favorite automobile, reflecting the wide-ranging personal legacy left behind by the performer.
