Pregnant California teacher dies after falling during a hiking trip in Greece: ‘Missed but never forgotten’

A pregnant California teacher who was a few months from giving birth to her first child died last month after falling during a hiking trip in Greece.

Clara Thomann, 33, a science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, was vacationing in the Greek Islands when she slipped and fell about 164 feet down a gorge near Plakias, Crete on Dec. 23, multiple outlets reported.

First responders, along with a group of construction workers, rushed to her aid and transported her to a local hospital in Rethymno, according to her family, who added that she was still alive and conscious.

Thomann, who was six months pregnant, was pronounced dead just days later after suffering multiple fractures to her chest and skull that rendered her brain dead, her family posted to CaringBridge.

Her unborn baby, whom she had already named Theodoro Clari Thomann, died in the fall.

“Clara loved helping and teaching others,” Thomann’s family posted after flying out to Greece to be at her side. 

“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 transported to Athens for cremation on Friday, her family said. Her partner, Elliot Finn, plans to spread her ashes at multiple locations in Greece and Turkey. 

“We’ve been celebrating Clari, hiking to beaches and collecting shells, rocks, and more memories,” Finn posted on Thursday.

Thomann, who was an organ donor, also donated her heart, liver and pancreas to those in need.

Her family said she loved “helping and teaching others.” 

Among those mourning Thomann’s tragic death include her school community. 

“There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling,” Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard told Noozhawk. 

“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.”

Many parents also paid tribute to the beloved educator on CaringBride, calling her their child’s favorite teacher.

“My son was her student and she was his favorite teacher,” Jennifer Gamez-Sparrow posted on Dec. 30.

“I appreciated the leadership she showed in her classroom and how she made physics fun and interesting and the love that each student felt from her. She will be missed but never forgotten.”

Thomann’s family plans to hold a memorial service when they return stateside at the end of the month.