Unspeakable grief has fallen over Veria, where a trip to the Dermatas waterfall ended in tragedy, claiming the life of 18-year-old Katerina. Based on information gathered so far, the young woman fell into the water and never resurfaced. The 17-year-old boy who was with her tried desperately to help, but was unable to locate her. Authorities were notified shortly after, and a search operation was launched. Police and Fire Service units rushed to the scene, with divers from the 2nd EMAK rescue team of Thessaloniki also taking part in the operation. The body of the young woman was found at the bottom of the lake and recovered unresponsive.
Veria: “Suddenly I heard a cry and she was gone,” describes the friend of 18-year-old Katerina who drowned at the waterfall
The young man who was accompanying Katerina described to authorities exactly what happened in the moments before the tragedy. According to Mega, he stated that the two had gone to the area to take photographs and spend time in nature. Katerina had entered the water while he remained on the bank, taking pictures of her. At some point he heard a cry, and within seconds she had vanished from his sight. He immediately entered the lake, trying to find and help her, but was unable to do so. He then contacted the authorities and called for help. “We went to the lake, Katerina got in to swim and I was taking photos of her. Suddenly I heard a cry and my friend was gone. I immediately jumped into the lake to help her, but I couldn’t find her, so I called the authorities,” Katerina’s friend recounted.
What the forensic examination revealed — Possible epileptic seizure investigated, phone seized for clues
The forensic examination confirmed that the cause of death was drowning. No injuries or visible signs of trauma were found on her body or face. Authorities are currently investigating every possible scenario in order to determine what happened before she fell into the water. Among the possibilities being examined is whether the 18-year-old suffered an epileptic seizure, causing her to lose consciousness and fall into the lake. As part of the investigation, her mobile phone has been seized. The aim is to examine its contents, including the last photographs taken before the accident, to determine whether they can shed any light on her final moments.
She had returned to the place she loved
According to Mega, Katerina lived in Athens with her parents and siblings, but maintained a special bond with the Imathia region. She had returned to the area for her summer holidays, as it was where her family roots were and where she had spent a large part of her summers growing up. The visit to the waterfall was a simple outing during her vacation. She had brought along a young friend, whom she had invited to explore the area with her. The two were spending time together, visiting spots that held meaning for Katerina and capturing their shared moments in photographs. No one could have imagined that that afternoon would unfold into an unspeakable family tragedy.
