In a tragic turn of events, a young woman lost her life shortly after her wedding, leaving local police sergeant Ronald McInnis anticipating widespread attention to the unfolding story.
Maria Pantazopoulos, 30, met a heartbreaking fate after drowning in her bridal gown during a photo shoot known as “trash the dress.” This trend involves brides deliberately ruining their wedding dresses in dramatic ways for symbolic purposes, marking the transition from bride to wife.
The ill-fated photo session, overseen by photographer Louis Pagakis, took place at Ouareau River near Dorwin Falls in Montreal. Mrs. Pantazopoulos, while attempting to create striking images, ventured too deep into the water with her heavy gown, which quickly absorbed water, making it impossible for her to stay afloat.
Despite efforts to rescue her, Mrs. Pantazopoulos tragically succumbed to the weight of her dress. Her family, in a formal statement, emphasized her trust in the photographer’s choice of location and called for improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In a similar incident in 2015, newlywed Amy Zuno faced a near-drowning experience when her bridal gown became waterlogged during a celebratory leap into the water with her spouse. Thankfully, she emerged safely, though the ordeal was captured on video and went viral online.
These incidents serve as poignant reminders of the risks associated with unconventional photo shoots and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.