Newlywed Maria Pantazopoulos had big dreams for her future in October 2012. The 30-year-old had a promising career as a real estate agent and had just married Billy Klouvatos, the love of her life. A few months after tying the knot, Pantazopoulos decided to participate in a “trash the dress” photography session, a viral trend at the time. During these shoots, women wear their wedding gowns and destroy them in places like bodies of water or with paint or dirt.
It’s not for everyone, but Pantazopoulos loved the idea of the shoot. She hired photographer Louis Pagakis to take the photos. But on the day of the shoot, something went terribly wrong. And before Pagakis knew it, the bride had disappeared.
According to The Mirror, Pagakis said he suggested taking the photos in the Ouareau River near Dorwin Falls in Montreal. The area features a picturesque waterfall and is more private than other photo shoot hotspots. He said Pantazopoulos stood in the mossy water before deciding to venture farther into it.
“She had her wedding dress on and said, ‘Take some pictures of me while I swim a little bit in the lake,’” Pagakis recalled.
@con_spiracy Last guy deserves a Darwin Award, 5 days is crazy… #morbidfacts #history #fyp ♬ Stargazing (Slowed + Reverb) – Marcelo De Carvalho
But he quickly realized that something had gone terribly wrong. Pantazopoulos wore a cumbersome gown that became entirely waterlogged. Swimming became increasingly daunting. Pagakis did his best to encourage his client, but he’ll never forget the last words she ever said.
“I can’t anymore. It’s too heavy,” the bride cried as she struggled to swim.
Even after Pagakis jumped into the water to try to save her, Pantazopoulos drowned. A drive crew recovered her body hours later.
Per The Mirror, her family released a statement following her death, condemning the photographer and asking other brides not to put themselves at risk.
“One thing we are certain about is that our Maria would have never put her life at risk,” the family wrote. “She trusted Mr. Louis Pagakis’ recommendation for the location and felt safe enough to attend the photo shoot alone with the photographers. The family asks the municipal council of Rawdon to work on putting in place stronger security measures to avoid any future tragedies.”
What really happened that day remains a mystery. But in the years since this tragic accident, trash-the-dress sessions have become less of a trend. That’s probably a good thing for everyone involved.
