Full Breakdown
Courtney Shah, Jeopardy! Champion and Lower Columbia College Professor, Dies at 52
7/26/2026, 11:35:02 AM
Core Event: Dr. Shah’s Passing
Dr. The family said she was battling brain cancer and had been receiving hospice care at home.
Background & Context
Shah joined Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, Washington, in 2007 and taught U.S. and World History for nearly two decades. She coordinated LCC’s Community Conversations program and was a keynote speaker for the college’s 90th-anniversary celebration. Outside academia, Shah gained national attention by winning seven consecutive games on *Jeopardy!* in 2021 and later competing in the 2022 Tournament of Champions.
Timeline
- February 2026 – Shah’s diagnosis with brain cancer was announced on CaringBridge.
- March 14, 2026 – The family reported that radiation and chemotherapy were not responding as hoped and that she would transition to hospice care.
- July 22, 2026 – Shah died at home, as announced by Maya Shah.
- August 10 – LCC will hold a memorial service for Shah at the Rose Center for the Arts from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Data & Statistics
- *Jeopardy!* 2021 streak: seven straight wins, total earnings $118,558.
- Eighth game: second-place finish earned an additional $2,000 (per J! Archive).
- 2022 Tournament of Champions: placed third in her quarterfinal match and received a $5,000 consolation prize.
Official Statements & Responses
Maya Shah’s CaringBridge tribute expressed a desire to view her mother’s passing as peaceful and urged others to “hug your loved ones.” The family described hospice care as “comfort care,” noting that a nurse visited weekly to manage symptoms and coordinate with a physician. Lower Columbia College confirmed the memorial details and highlighted Shah’s long-standing impact on the campus and broader Longview community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know what you believe about death, but I like to think that she’s at peace now. We loved her in this world, and we loved her out of this world, and we’ll go on loving her,” — Maya Shah, champion
- “I don’t know what you believe about death, but I like to think that she’s at peace now,” — Maya
- “Still some limited mobility on my left side. So we did a hair chop today. I’m feeling positive and well loved right now. Tell someone you love them today.” — February
On-the-Ground Reports
), and the family’s experience of hospice “comfort care.” The college’s announcement emphasized Shah’s role as a beloved educator and community figure.
