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The Greek expatriate who lost his life trying to cross the Niagara Falls

The Niagara waterfalls arguably one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. Despite the rapid and thunderous flow of their waters, it is very easy to be enchanted by the serenity exuded through the images of the rainbow, which is often seen in the area, trying to escape through the clouds.

In reality, however, behind this incredible beauty of the landscape lies death and terror, as it is estimated that about 5,000 bodies were recovered at the foot of Niagara Falls between the years 1850-2011.

So there are many who have tried from time to time to pass over the waterfalls, either jumping along their waters in barrels or walking in narrow places above them, who live and today can describe this unique experience. experienced. However, there were others who were not so lucky, who attempted a fall, but, unfortunately, are not with us today – it is estimated that about 40 people die each year due to falls.

Among them is the Greek homogeneous George Stathakis, an immigrant who worked as a cook in a restaurant in Buffalo. A life dream for him to become a distinguished writer, something he did not succeed, as his daring act cost him his life.

At the age of 46 he decided to dare a fall from Niagara Falls, in order to be able to publish his book through the publicity he would get from his venture. With the help of his friends, he built a huge wooden barrel, which, however, weighed almost a ton. While he had been warned that the weight of the barrel was too great for the project he was planning, George Stathakis in July 1930 defied the dangers and together with his favorite turtle, made the daring dive.

However, instead of falling under the water, his barrel got stuck behind the folds of the waterfall, resulting in him being trapped there for more than twenty hours. When the barrel was found, Stathakis was dead, not due to the crash of the barrel, but due to the lack of oxygen in its airtight construction. The irony of luck throughout history? Sonny, his favorite turtle, survived the ordeal.

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