Pregnant California teacher, 33, dies after 164ft horror plunge down gorge while hiking in Greece
Clara Thomann, 33, who was a science teacher, tragically died while on vacation after she fell at a remote beauty spot near Plakias, on the Island of Crete, on December 23.
A pregnant Californian teacher tragically died after plunging 164ft down a gorge while on vacation in Greece.
Clara Thomann, 33, who taught science at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, passed away after the horror fall at a ravine near Plakias, on the Island of Crete on December 23. She was six months pregnant at the time. Her family wrote that a ‘cadre of construction workers’ and emergency responders had ‘done their best’ to evacuate Clara from the remote location.
This included 21 firefighters and ten fire trucks, according to the Greek Reporter. She was then transported to Rethymno Medical Center and on to Chania General Hospital. But despite the best efforts of doctors, she was declared ‘brain dead’ and died from ‘insurmountable injuries’. Local reports suggested these included major wounds to her skull and chest. Her unborn child, named Theodoro Clari "Crunch" Thomann, also tragically passed away.
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Paying tribute to Clara, her family said on their CaringBridge donation page that she was ‘always there for her family and friends’. They wrote: “Clara loved helping and teaching others. Naturally, she is an organ donor and we are happy to report that her heart, liver, and pancreas have already been accepted for donation.
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“Life can be random and painful but we know that Clara would want us to all learn from this terrible experience and use it as "una excusa para juntar y celebrar." Clara loved this Thomann family motto. Making "excuses to gather and celebrate" with family and friends for whatever minor or major reason - holidays, birthdays, graduations, baptisms, naming ceremonies, solstices, weekend potlucks, weddings, or a passed exam - was something that Clara loved. She was always there for her family and friends and would want us all to make excuses to gather, hold each other tight, and celebrate."
The post continued: “We've been yowling and sobbing on the phone with friends and family, laughing and ordering the entire menus of restaurants here in Chania, and thinking about all the lessons Clara taught us. In the next couple days, Clara and baby Theodoro Clari "Crunch" Thomann will be transported to Athens for cremation. Thank you so so much for all the love, it has meant the world to us.”
Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard also paid tribute to Clara, who he said loved her students. He told Santa Barbara Independent: “There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling. Ms. Thomann was so kind and such a great teacher who loved her students and loved science. Our hearts break for her family and for all of us who are feeling this loss.”
He said students and families affected by the tragedy could access mental health support on campus. He added: “We understand that this news brings pain and shock, especially to those who had the privilege of knowing Ms. Thomann, which is why we are committed to supporting our students and families. If your student or you need emotional support, our team of counselors will be available to provide guidance and comfort.”