A family getaway turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a seemingly minor stomach ache led to the sudden death of a 35-year-old father.
Andrejs Krievkalns, a London-based advertising professional, was enjoying a vacation in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, with his wife, Katerina Glazyrina, 41, and their five-year-old daughter, Lizzie. On January 3, what started as mild stomach pain quickly escalated… but was initially brushed off as food poisoning. Just 36 hours later, Andrejs was gone.
When Andrejs first complained of stomach discomfort, the couple assumed it was a reaction to something he ate. But as the pain intensified and spread to his back, he was rushed to a hospital in Burgas. Doctors diagnosed him with acute pancreatitis, a rare but potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Despite his initial optimism, Andrejs’ condition deteriorated rapidly. Katerina recalls his reassuring words: “Don’t worry, I’ll be home soon.” Tragically, that promise was never fulfilled. Within hours, multiple organ failure set in, and on January 4, he passed away… leaving his family shattered.
Katerina, now a widow without life insurance support, has been overwhelmed by the kindness of her Hackney, East London community. As she grapples with the loss, she is determined to raise awareness about pancreatitis… an often-overlooked condition that can be fatal if not caught in time.
According to the NHS, symptoms include:
* Sudden, severe pain in the center of the abdomen
* Worsening discomfort that spreads to the back
* Nausea, vomiting, and fever
Katerina’s message is clear: “If you ever experience severe, unexplained stomach pain—don’t ignore it. It could save your life.”
