Seven-Time ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Dr. Courtney Shah Dies at 52

Dr. Courtney Shah, the historical past professor who received seven consecutive Jeopardy! video games in 2021, has died following a mind most cancers prognosis. She was 52.

Shah died at residence on July 22 whereas receiving hospice care, in accordance with a tribute shared by her daughter, Maya, by means of CaringBridge. 

Her successful streak earned her $118,558 and a spot within the 2022 Event of Champions. Away from tv, Shah spent almost twenty years instructing historical past at Decrease Columbia School in Longview, Washington.

A memorial celebrating her life is scheduled for August 10 on the faculty’s Rose Middle for the Arts.

Her Daughter Stated She Died at Dwelling

Maya introduced that Shah died at 4:57 a.m. “within the consolation of her residence,” in accordance with People. “We liked her on this world, and we liked her out of this world, and we’ll go on loving her,” she wrote.

Maya thanked those that had adopted her mom’s sickness and supported the household. She inspired individuals to recollect Shah by telling tales, lighting a candle, saying a prayer or selecting one other tribute that felt personally significant.

She additionally acknowledged that the household’s grief would proceed and urged readers to spend time with the individuals they love.

Shah Entered Hospice After Remedy Was Unsuccessful

Shah’s mind tumor was found after she started experiencing numbness and weak spot on the left facet of her face. Maya publicly disclosed the prognosis in February.

The next month, she reported that her mom was not responding to chemotherapy and radiation because the household had hoped. Shah then made what her daughter described as a transparent resolution to cease remedy and obtain hospice care at residence.

Regardless of her declining well being, Shah continued watching basketball, supporting Duke and answering Jeopardy! clues forward of different individuals within the room. The household didn’t publicly disclose a extra particular kind of mind most cancers.

Her Seven-Sport Streak Ended an 88-Sport Drought

Shah appeared throughout Season 37 of Jeopardy! and received seven video games in a row. The present’s official Tournament of Champions profile credited her with ending an 88-game stretch with out a contestant reaching 5 consecutive victories.

She earned $118,558 throughout the successful streak and acquired one other $2,000 after ending second in her eighth sport. After her fifth victory, Shah stated she had by no means anticipated to achieve the present, a lot much less turn into a returning champion. She described her first look as pushed by adrenaline earlier than regularly changing into extra comfy on the lectern.

Her efficiency secured a spot within the 2022 Event of Champions. Shah confronted John Focht and Second Probability winner Rowan Ward within the quarterfinals, ending third and receiving the $5,000 quarterfinalist prize. Her official contestant profile additionally famous that she spent a few of her free time crocheting characters from Star Wars.

She Taught Historical past for Almost Two A long time

Shah joined Decrease Columbia School in 2007 and taught U.S. and world historical past there for almost 20 years. In accordance with KLOG’s report on the college’s tribute, she was additionally a printed creator, coordinated the college’s Group Conversations program and delivered a keynote handle throughout Decrease Columbia School’s Ninetieth-anniversary celebration.

Her memorial service will happen from 1 to three:30 p.m. on August 10 on the Rose Middle for the Arts on the Decrease Columbia School campus.