Texas Teacher Dies After Being Washed Away in Mountains

EL PASO, TX – An Austin teacher tragically lost her life while hiking in the Franklin Mountains near El Paso on Monday.

According to authorities, Christina Garcia-Mata and her husband Gabriel were visiting family in El Paso.

Garcia-Mata was hiking when she was swept away by the water. She then fell down the mountain and injured herself on Monday afternoon.

The call for a missing hiker came in at approximately 4:00 p.m. and about two hours later the El Paso Combined Search and Rescue team located her body.

At this time, Garcia-Mata's death has been ruled accidental.

The Austin-based teacher had taught at Austin’s Akins Early College High School since 2006.

Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde issued the following statement:

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a member of our Austin ISD family. Christina Garcia-Mata was a dedicated and passionate educator who worked endlessly for her students for 15 years. Her colleagues knew her as a bright, warm presence who could lift their spirits with a smile and a story. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and every life that she touched. Austin ISD is making guidance counselors available to students or staff who may need help processing this loss. To speak to a counselor, please contact the Akins ECHS campus at 512-841-9901."

A GoFundMe has been created to help support the Garcia-Mata family.