Overview
- Maria Pantazopoulos, 30, died in 2012 after entering the water during a post‑wedding 'trash the dress' photoshoot months after her June 9 marriage.
- The session took place at the Ouareau River near Dorwin Falls in Rawdon, a fast‑moving waterfall location the photographer had suggested for a secluded shoot.
- Photographer Louis Pagakis recalls Pantazopoulos saying, “I can’t anymore. It’s too heavy,” as her saturated dress pulled her under; he jumped in but could not save her.
- A diving team recovered her body hours later, and local police sergeant Ronald McInnis predicted the case would draw global attention.
- Her family said she would not have risked her life, emphasized she trusted the location recommendation, and asked Rawdon’s council to strengthen safety measures.