The community college teacher became the first champion in history to win more than $100,000 in lifetime winnings with seven consecutive wins.
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Dr. Courtney Shah, a community college teacher and reality TV contestant best known for her appearance on “Jeopardy!,” has died, according to reports. She was 52 years old.
According to People magazine and NBC affiliate WCNC, Shah’s daughter Maya Shah announced that the former game show contestant, who made history with seven straight wins, died “in the comfort of his home” on July 22 after a battle with brain cancer. Maya Shah shared the news in a post on the non-profit online network CaringBridge.
“I don’t know what you believe about death, but I’d like to think she’s at peace now,” Maya Shah wrote, People and WCNC reported. “We loved her in this world, we loved her out of this world, and we will continue to love her.”
According to People magazine, Shah had been receiving hospice care at home in March after learning that cancer treatments, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, were not working.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of seven-time Danger actor Courtney Sher, a champion and formidable Tournament of Champions contestant,” a Danger! spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement on Monday, July 27. “We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.”
Shah, a history instructor at Lower Columbia University, competed on the iconic game show in 2021 and turned heads with a winning streak, ultimately winning seven in a row and earning $118,558. She won an additional $2,000 in her eighth appearance, becoming the first champion in history to earn more than $100,000 in lifetime winnings with seven consecutive wins.
“I never imagined it would come this far,” Shah said after the fifth game, according to archived footage from the show. “I’m still not sure if this is really real.”
Shah said following her “Danger!” In 2022, he competed in the quarterfinals of the Tournament of Champions, winning against fellow contestants Rowan Ward and John Voigt. The game show alumnus ultimately lost to Vogt, but she and Ward each took home $5,000.
Shah’s daughter Maya paid tribute to him in a post on CaringBridge, thanking the reality TV talent’s supporters for “being a blessing in disguise through all of this,” People magazine and WCNC reported.
“Tell your mother’s story. Light a candle, say a prayer, pour a drink,” Maya Shah said. “Find something meaningful for yourself to honor the gift of her presence.”
This story has been updated to add new information.
