A “Jeopardy!” spokesperson issued a statement on the death of Dr. Courtney Shah, a seven-time “Jeopardy!” champion and history professor who died at 52 at her home on July 22, 2026, following a battle with brain cancer.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Courtney Shah, a seven-time Jeopardy! champion and a formidable Tournament of Champions competitor,” the spokesperson said in a statement on Shah’s death issued as of July 26.
Shah taught in Washington state for nearly two decades. 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,” Maya Shah wrote in the post.
Lower Columbia College confirmed the death through local radio station KLOG. The news that Shah had died at home following her illness was first reported by KLOG. In her final months she had been receiving hospice care at home, her family said.
An Illness That Began in January
Numbness and weakness struck the left side of Shah’s face in mid-January, according to Maya Shah’s CaringBridge posts. A brain tumor was the diagnosis the family publicly disclosed in February. Radiation and chemotherapy proved ineffective, her family said, and the news reached Shah by March.
Shah chose to end treatment and begin hospice care. Maya Shah described the decision as brave and clear-eyed and said the family supported the choice. After treatments stopped, Shah appeared more peaceful and content, her daughter wrote.
Shah found comfort in family time, basketball, Duke University and shouting out “Jeopardy!” answers before anyone else in the room, her daughter said. Maya Shah said she believed her mother was at peace, 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: a story shared, a candle lit, a prayer said or a drink poured out.
A CaringBridge page, since made private, was where the family had chronicled Shah’s journey. Shah posted periodic health updates on social media. One photo captured her alongside Ken Jennings, the “Jeopardy!” host, during her time on the show. A February haircut sent her to Instagram with a selfie, where she noted she still had limited mobility on her left side but felt positive and well loved, and closed with an urge to tell someone you love them.
Seven Wins and a Tournament Run
Shah won seven consecutive games during her 2021 run, for a total of $118,558, according to the fan-run database J! Archive. Another $2,000 came from the second-place finish that ended her streak in her eighth game. The 2022 Tournament of Champions brought her back the following year, and she placed third in her quarterfinal match, taking home $5,000, according to the show.
A behind-the-scenes video after her fifth game caught Shah reflecting on how far she had come; she said she never imagined she would get there and wasn’t quite sure it was real yet.
Classroom Legacy and Memorial Service
Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., employed Shah as a history professor. For nearly 20 years, her courses there covered U.S. and world history. Her classroom lessons brought history to life in ways that were deeply relevant and engaging for students, a Lower Columbia College spokesperson said, adding that Shah also uplifted the broader community and left a legacy that would continue to inspire.
A celebration of life was held on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Rose Center for the Arts on the Lower Columbia College campus.
Other Contestants Remembered by Fans
Other notable “Jeopardy!” contestants have died, some leaving a lasting legacy through remarkable winning streaks, inspiring stories or tragic circumstances. Contestant Laurin Bell passed away in March 2025 at age 41, and fans remembered her fondly for her vibrant floral outfit and her appearance during a February 2023 episode hosted by Jennings.
Contestant Brayden Smith, a five-time winner, died unexpectedly in February 2021 at the age of 24 following complications from surgery. He was known as “Alex’s last champion” and appeared during Alex Trebek’s final season as host of the show.
