(Image: CaringBridge.org)
A heartbreaking tragedy struck when Clara Thomann, a 33-year-old pregnant teacher from California, died after falling 164 feet down a gorge while hiking in Greece. Thomann, a science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, was six months pregnant at the time of the fatal fall on December 23. The incident occurred near Plakias, on the Island of Crete.
According to reports, a group of construction workers and emergency responders worked tirelessly to evacuate Thomann from the remote location. The operation involved 21 firefighters and ten fire trucks, as reported by the Greek Reporter. Despite their heroic efforts, Thomann was transported first to Rethymno Medical Center and then to Chania General Hospital.
Tragically, she was declared “brain dead” and passed away from severe injuries, including significant damage to her skull and chest. Her unborn child, named Theodoro Clari “Crunch” Thomann, also did not survive the fall. In a touching tribute, Thomann’s family shared their grief on her CaringBridge donation page, reflecting on her love for family, friends, and teaching.
“Clara loved helping and teaching others,” they wrote. “Naturally, she is an organ donor and we are happy to report that her heart, liver, and pancreas have already been accepted for donation.” They went on to share that Clara’s legacy would live on through the way she connected with others, noting her family’s motto, “una excusa para juntar y celebrar”—finding reasons, big or small, to gather and celebrate with loved ones.
Her family continued, “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 an excuse to gather and celebrate.” They expressed their thanks for the overwhelming support they’ve received, saying, “We’ve been yowling and sobbing on the phone with friends and family, laughing and ordering the entire menus of restaurants here in Chania.”
Dos Pueblos High School Principal Bill Woodard also paid tribute to Clara, recalling her passion for teaching and her deep affection for her students. “Ms. Thomann was so kind and such a great teacher who loved her students and loved science,” Woodard said in an interview with the Santa Barbara Independent.
“Our hearts break for her family and for all of us who are feeling this loss.” The school has made mental health support available to students and families affected by the tragedy. As Clara and her baby are prepared for cremation in Athens, her family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, which has been a source of strength during this incredibly difficult time.
