A tragedy unfolded near Veria in northern Greece when an 18-year-old woman died at the Dermata waterfall near the village of Rizomata one day before celebrating her 18th birthday.
The young woman had gone to the waterfall with her boyfriend to relax and take photographs on Thursday afternoon. The two entered the water together, but she did not resurface.
The tragedy occurred when the 18-year-old reportedly handed her cellphone to her friend so he could take her picture. At that point, according to information that has emerged, she was heard saying “ah” and immediately afterward fell into the water.
Her friend initially thought her not resurfacing was part of a prank, be he soon realized that the she was missing. He immediately called Greece’s emergency number 112, to request help.
Strong forces from the Fire Department rushed to the scene, while divers from the disaster response team (EMAK) began searching the water for the teenager.
Found after hours of searching
After several hours of searching, divers located the 18-year-old unconscious and pulled her from the water.
She was transported to a hospital, where her death was confirmed.
According to the findings of the forensic examination completed at noon on Friday, the cause of death was determined to be drowning, with no other findings. It remains unknown whether the girl may have suffered a seizure, given her medical history, or whether she lost consciousness before falling into the freezing water.
The Dermata waterfall is a known destination for residents and visitors to the area, located a short distance from the village and attracting people for swimming.
