Dr. Courtney Shah, a seven-time “Jeopardy!” champion and history professor who taught in Washington state for nearly two decades, died at 52 at her home on July 22, 2026, following a battle with brain cancer.
Her daughter, Maya Shah, announced the death on CaringBridge. “My mom died today, at 4:57 a.m. on July 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home,” she wrote.
Lower Columbia College confirmed the death through local radio station KLOG, which first reported Shah had died at home following her illness. Her family said she had been receiving hospice care at home in her final months.
From Diagnosis to Hospice
Numbness and weakness struck the left side of Shah’s face in mid-January, Maya Shah’s CaringBridge posts recounted. In February, the family publicly disclosed the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy proved ineffective, her family said, news that reached Shah by March.
Her mother chose to end treatment and begin hospice care, a decision Maya Shah described as brave and clear-eyed, and the family supported the choice, she said. After the treatments stopped, Shah appeared more peaceful and content, her daughter wrote, and found comfort in family time, basketball, Duke University, and shouting out “Jeopardy!” answers before anyone else in the room.
Maya Shah said she believed her mother was at peace. She thanked those who supported the family and urged readers to hug their loved ones. Admirers could honor her mother however felt meaningful, her tribute suggested — telling stories, lighting a candle, saying a prayer or pouring out a drink.
The family had chronicled Shah’s journey on a CaringBridge page, which has since been made private.
Updates for Her Followers
Shah posted periodic health updates on social media. One photo captured her with “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings while she appeared on the show.
A haircut in February prompted her to share a selfie on Instagram. She noted she still had limited mobility on her left side but felt positive and well loved, and she closed with an urge to tell someone you love them.
A Seven-Game Winning Streak
Her 2021 run brought Shah seven consecutive wins and a total of $118,558, the fan-run database J! Archive reports. A second-place finish in her eighth game, when her streak ended, added another $2,000.
She returned the following year for the 2022 Tournament of Champions and placed third in her quarterfinal match, taking home $5,000, according to the show.
After her fifth game, in a behind-the-scenes video, Shah reflected on how far she had come, saying she never imagined she would get there and wasn’t quite sure it was real yet.
Two Decades in the Classroom
Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., employed Shah as a history professor. She taught U.S. and world history there for nearly 20 years.
A Lower Columbia College spokesperson said her classroom lessons brought history to life in ways that were deeply relevant and engaging for students. Shah also uplifted the broader community, the spokesperson said, and left a legacy that would continue to inspire.
The college hosted a celebration of life on August 10 at the Rose Center for the Arts on its campus.
Other notable “Jeopardy!“ contestants have died, with some leaving a lasting legacy through their remarkable winning streaks, inspiring stories, or tragic circumstances.
Laurin Bell passed away in March 2025 at age 41. She was remembered fondly by fans for her vibrant floral outfit and appearance during a February 2023 episode hosted by Ken Jennings.
Brayden Smith died unexpectedly in February 2021 at the age of 24 following complications from surgery. Known as “Alex’s last champion,” he was a five-time winner who appeared during Alex Trebek’s final hosting season.
