Thu Jan 09 02:59:40 UTC 2025: ## Beloved US Teacher Dies After Tragic Fall in Greece
**Athens, Greece/Santa Barbara, CA –** Clara Thomann, a 33-year-old science teacher from Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara, California, has died following a fatal fall during a hike in Crete, Greece. Thomann, who was six months pregnant, slipped and fell approximately 164 feet down a gorge near the Preveli Monastery on December 23rd.
Despite extensive rescue efforts involving first responders and construction workers, Thomann sustained severe chest and skull fractures. Tragically, her unborn child did not survive the fall. Thomann passed away six days later on December 29th, after being declared brain-dead.
In a deeply moving gesture, Thomann’s family chose to donate her organs. Her liver, kidney, and corneas have already been donated, according to Chania General Hospital and a family statement on CaringBridge. Her remains were transported to Athens on New Year’s Day and cremated on January 3rd. Her ashes will be scattered across Greece and Turkey, fulfilling her wish to visit those locations with her partner, Elliot Finn, who was with her at the time of the accident.
Dos Pueblos High School Principal Bill Woodard released a statement expressing the profound sadness felt by the school community. He described Thomann as a “kind and great teacher who loved her students and loved science.” The school is mourning the loss of a beloved educator. The tragic accident has left the school and the Santa Barbara community in grief.
First Piper 