Sci-Tech Prep Art Teacher Is Killed in Nepal

Dahila Yehia, a 25-year-old art teacher who taught at Sci-Tech Preparatory in South Austin, was found dead in Nepal last week. She had been missing since Aug. 6.

The U.S. Embassy confirmed Yehia’s death, the family said on its Facebook page, Find Dahlia.

“Recently, we received word from the US Embassy that Dahlia’s life has been taken from us. We do not have any further details at this time and are asking for everyone to respect the privacy for her family.”

“We are devastated by this senseless loss of a beautiful life. For those who haven’t had the joy of spending time with Dahlia, know that she is a giver, lover, and humanitarian, who devoted her life to others less fortunate both domestic and abroad.”

Nepalese officials told CNN that said a man hosting Yehia in his home confessed to beating her to death and dumping her body in a river. The man said he met Yehia online.

Yehia had traveled to Nepal earlier this summer to help rebuild after the devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people in April.

“Even though Dahlia was taken from us much too soon, she surely made her mark on the world, and will be remembered lovingly by all of us,” the family said.

Yehia taught at Sci-Tech Prep last year. The school released a statement on its Facebook page:

“Dahlia Yehia, our art teacher last year, had been missing for almost a month in Nepal where she had been on a backpacking trip. Dahlia’s family posted today that the US Embassy notified them that she died. She was only 25 years old. The kids loved having her for their art teacher last year, especially the high school kids who went to the graffiti park downtown on city buses with their backpacks loaded with cans of spray paint!! We are all saddened by the loss of such a special spirit!”

School officials said they are planning a memorial for next week. “Please keep Ms Y’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of grief and loss.”

[PHOTO: Find Dahlia Facebook page]