A pregnant California teacher who was months away from giving birth to her first child died last month after falling during a hiking trip in Greece.
Clara Thoman, 33, a science teacher at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, was vacationing in the Greek Islands when she slipped and fell approximately 54 feet into a ravine near Plakias, Crete, on December 23, multiple media reported. Ta.
Her family said a group of first responders and construction workers rushed to her aid and transported her to a local hospital in Rethymno. He added that she was still alive and conscious.
Thoman, who was six months pregnant, suffered multiple fractures to her chest and skull, leaving her brain dead and pronounced dead a few days later. Her family posted on CaringBridge.
Her unborn baby, already named Teodoro Clary Thoman, died that fall.
“Clara loved helping others and teaching,” Thoman's family posted after flying to Greece to be by her side.
“She was always there for her family and friends and wanted us all to have an excuse to come together, hug each other tightly and celebrate.”
Thoman and her unborn child were transported to Athens on Friday for cremation, her family said. Her partner, Elliott Finn, plans to scatter her ashes at multiple locations in Greece and Turkey.
“We have been celebrating Clary, hiking to the beach, collecting shells, rocks, and other mementos,” Finn posted Thursday.
Mr. Thoman was also an organ donor, donating his heart, liver, and pancreas to those in need.
Her family said she loved “helping and teaching others.”
Thoman's school community is among those mourning her tragic death.
“There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling,” said Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard. he told Noothawk.
“MS. Thoman was a wonderful teacher who was so kind, loved her students, and loved science. Our hearts break for her family and all of us who feel this loss.” is.”
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 Games-Sparrow posted on Dec. 30.
“I appreciated the leadership she showed in the classroom, the way she made physics fun and interesting, and the love each student felt from her. She will be missed but will never be forgotten. There is no such thing.”
Thoman's family plans to hold a memorial service when they return to the United States later this month.
