Tragic Death of Santa Barbara County Schoolteacher in Greece
Background
A schoolteacher from Santa Barbara County, California, who was six months pregnant, fell to her death while hiking on the Greek island of Crete late last month.
The Incident
The tragic incident occurred on December 23, 2024, while 33-year-old Clara Thomann, a science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, and her partner, Elliot Finn, had been traveling over the holiday. According to reports, Thomann plunged 164 feet down a gorge after falling while hiking.
Rescue Efforts
First responders and construction workers toiled for hours to pull Thomann out of the area and rushed her to the hospital after Finn called for help. Unfortunately, her child died from the fall, and Thomann suffered severe fractures to her chest and skull.
Outcome
Six days later, on December 29, Thomann was pronounced dead. Her family members reported that her injuries were "insurmountable" and that she had been declared brain dead.
Organ Donation
Thomann was a registered organ donor in the U.S., and her family honored her wish by allowing for the donation of her kidneys, liver, and corneas to patients in need of transplants.
Reaction from School and Community
Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard spoke about the tragedy, saying, "There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling. 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." The school principal assured that counselors would be available to students struggling with the news of Thomann’s death.
Similar Tragedy in 2024
This is not the first time tragedy has struck Greece for Southern California family members. In June 2024, 58-year-old retired L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Albert Calibet, a resident of Hermosa Beach, never returned from a hike on the Greek island of Amorgos.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Clara Thomann?
A: Clara Thomann, a 33-year-old schoolteacher from Santa Barbara County, fell to her death while hiking on the Greek island of Crete.
Q: What were the circumstances of the incident?
A: Thomann was six months pregnant and fell 164 feet down a gorge while hiking with her partner, Elliot Finn, on December 23, 2024.
Q: What happened to her child?
A: Her child died from the fall.
Q: What was Thomann’s condition after the accident?
A: She suffered severe fractures to her chest and skull and was declared brain dead six days after the accident.
Q: Did Thomann donate her organs?
A: Yes, Thomann was a registered organ donor, and her family honored her wish by allowing for the donation of her kidneys, liver, and corneas to patients in need of transplants.
