DDN – A pregnant California teacher who was about to give birth to her first child died last month after collapsing while trekking in Greece.
Clara Thomann, 33, a science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, was on vacation in the Greek Islands when she slipped and fell 164 feet into a gorge near Plakias, Crete, on December 23, according to several reports.
According to her family, first responders and construction workers came to her rescue and carried her to a local hospital in Rethymno, where she is still alive and aware.
Thomann, who was six months pregnant, was pronounced dead just days later after sustaining several fractures to her chest and skull, rendering her brain dead, according to her family’s statement on CaringBridge.
Her unborn child, whom she had already named Theodoro Clari Thomann, died in the fall. “Clara loved helping and teaching others,” Thomann’s family wrote after flying over to Greece to be with her.
“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.”
Thomann and her unborn child were taken to Athens for cremation on Friday, her family claimed. Her partner, Elliot Finn, intends to scatter her ashes in several spots throughout Greece and Turkey.
“We’ve been celebrating Clari, hiking to beaches and collecting shells, rocks, and more memories,” Finn wrote in a message Thursday.
Thomann, an organ donor, also gave her heart, liver, and pancreas to people in need.
Her family claimed she enjoyed “helping and teaching others.” Among those mourning Thomann’s tragic demise is her school community.
“There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling,” Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard told Nooz Hawk.
“Ms. Thomann was a wonderful teacher who cared deeply about her students and science. “Our hearts break for her family and for all of us who are affected by this loss.”
Many parents expressed homage to the renowned educator on CaringBridge, describing her as their child’s favorite teacher. “My son was her student and she was his favorite teacher,” Jennifer Gamez-Sparrow posted on December 30.
“I enjoyed her leadership in the classroom, how she made physics entertaining and intriguing, and the love she exuded to each kid. She will be missed, but not forgotten.”
Thomann’s family intends to arrange a memorial service when they return home at the end of the month.
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