A young woman tragically lost her life just weeks after getting married in a heartbreaking incident that captured the attention of local police sergeant Ronald McInnis, who foresaw widespread interest in the story. Maria Pantazopoulos, 30, drowned while wearing her bridal gown during a photoshoot known as “trash the dress,” where brides intentionally damage their wedding dresses for social media posts symbolizing the transition from bride to wife.
The photography session took place at Ouareau River near Dorwin Falls in Montreal, a location with a tumultuous history according to Indigenous folklore. The photographer, Louis Pagakis, recounted how Mrs. Pantazopoulos ventured into the water in her heavy gown, which quickly became waterlogged, causing her to sink. Despite Pagakis’s efforts to rescue her, the gown’s weight made it impossible to save her, and she was later recovered by a diving team from the lake bed.
In a statement following the tragic incident, Maria’s family emphasized her trust in the photographer’s choice of location and called for improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident drew comparisons to another mishap involving a bride, Amy Zuno, whose gown also caused her to sink in water during a post-wedding celebration. Despite the scare, Mrs. Zuno later expressed no regrets about the incident.
The incidents serve as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in such photoshoots and underscore the importance of safety precautions in these situations.