Father, 38, dies after ‘being bitten by venomous spider’ he bought online just weeks before — a tragedy that has left his family shattered and authorities stunned. What began as a bizarre hobby spiraled into a nightmare when the bite turned fatal, raising urgent questions about the dangers of exotic pet trading. Neighbors are in shock, loved ones are grieving, and investigators are racing for answers. Here’s the chilling cautionary tale no one saw coming.

Father, 38, dies after ‘being bitten by venomous spider’ he bought online just weeks before

A father died after reportedly being bitten by his own pet spider which he had purchased online just weeks before.

Mark Anthony Kirby, from Prescot in Merseyside, was said to have been nipped shortly after purchasing the venomous spider.

And now his family have told of their heartache after the dad died a week later on August 2.

The 34-year-old had become obsessed with the spiders after previously being terrified of insects, his ex-partner of 16 years Kayleigh Gill said.

Kayleigh, mother of their two children, told the Liverpool Echo that Mark had been in Scotland alongside her, her partner and her sister Kath.

She said he had complained about feeling ill but had still been ‘playing pranks’ during a meal the group had at a Toby Carvery before driving back home on July 26.

Mark then continued to complain about flu-like symptoms, a fluctuating temperature and aching limbs over the following week.

On August 2, Mark called Kath saying that he was unable to breathe properly.

Kath visited Mark’s flat and called 999 before he collapsed.

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Mark purchased the venomous spiders just weeks before he died in his flat

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Mark had become obssessed with the spiders after previously being terrified of insects, his ex-partner said (file image)

When paramedics arrived at the scene, they were unable to save him.

Paying tribute to the dad-of-two, Kayleigh said: ‘He was funny, caring, outgoing and such a people person. He was a brilliant dad to our two children and was always the life and soul of the party.

‘He had bought five spiders online two or three weeks before and was obsessed with them.

‘I think he bought them because he lived alone but he was always terrified of insects when we were together. Even though we had split up, we were best friends. He put our children first.’

Kayleigh said the post mortem has so far been inconclusive in finding a cause of death, but believes the symptoms which developed over a week and a half point to a spider bite being a possible cause.

She said Mark and told her about the bite and had not gone to the hospital, despite Kayleigh’s orders to do so.

She added that owning the spiders should require licenses.

Mark leaves behind his 18-year-old son Nathan-Mark and 17-year-old daughter Kimmy-Louise.