Pregnant US Teacher Dies After Fall While Hiking in Crete

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A tragic accident occurred on December 23 when Clara Thomann, a 33-year-old science teacher from Santa Barbara, fell 164 feet down a gorge while hiking with her partner, Elliot Finn, near the Preveli Monastery on the Greek Island of Crete. At the time of the fall, Ms. Thomann was six months pregnant.

After Mr. Finn alerted emergency services, rescue teams worked tirelessly to retrieve her from the gorge, but Ms. Thomann sustained severe injuries, including chest and skull fractures. She was rushed to a local hospital, where, unfortunately, her unborn child did not survive the accident. Clara Thomann passed away on December 29 due to the extent of her injuries.

In a statement, her family shared their heartache and announced their decision to donate her organs, including her liver, kidney, and corneas. They expressed that she was a dedicated teacher who loved helping others. Ms. Thomann's remains were cremated in Athens on January 3, and her ashes will be scattered across Greece and Turkey, celebrating her adventurous spirit.

The principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill Woodard, paid tribute to Ms. Thomann, stating, "There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling." Her dedication to education and students has left a lasting impact on her community.

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