Clara Thomann, a California resident and science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, lost her life in a hiking accident on the Greek island of Crete on December 23. Thomann, who was six months pregnant, slipped and fell 164 feet into a gorge while hiking near the Preveli Monastery.
According to a news report by The Independent, her partner, Elliot Finn, immediately called for help. Rescue teams arrived around two hours later, with 21 firefighters and 10 firefighting vehicles sent to the scene.
Despite the challenging location, rescuers managed to reach Thomann, providing first aid before evacuating her to safety. She was conscious when taken to Rethymno Hospital but was later transferred to Chania General Hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Thomann sustained multiple fractures to her skull, chest, and leg. Her unborn child, Theodoro, also died in the fall.
On December 29, her family confirmed that Clara had been declared brain dead due to her injuries, and she was later pronounced dead.
The family, respecting Thomann’s wishes as a registered organ donor, confirmed that her heart, liver, and pancreas were donated for transplant.
Messages of sympathy have poured in from her colleagues, students, and their families, all remembering the positive impact she had on her community.
Thomann’s family has decided to scatter her ashes in locations in Greece and Turkey that she had planned to visit with Finn.
