Lawyer: Grenade that killed 19-year-old exploded in sergeant’s hand

An official investigation has confirmed that 19-year-old Rafail Galyfianakis did not handle the grenade that killed him during a military training exercise in Rhodes in November, according to his family’s lawyer.

The findings show that the grenade detonated in the right hand of a 39-year-old army sergeant, who was seriously injured. Shrapnel from the explosion fatally struck Galyfianakis at close range. The blast occurred near a military vehicle during pre-exercise checks.

The lawyer said the conclusions align with assessments by the family’s technical adviser. The investigation is continuing into whether safety procedures were followed and whether the grenade, described as outdated and due for withdrawal, should have been used.