Columbia State mourns loss of professor after accident during Brazil study abroad trip
Also involved in the accident were two students from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville and one student from Morristown’s Walters State Community College.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Columbia State Community College confirmed Monday that one of its professors, Clifford Gordon, was killed on a study abroad trip in Brazil after a rogue wave swept him into the ocean.
Also involved in the accident were two students from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville and one student from Morristown’s Walters State Community College. Those students were not seriously injured, according to the college.
“We were heartbroken to hear of this tragic accident,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State Community College president. “We are thankful that no students were seriously injured. Our college family mourns the loss of Clifford, who was a talented artist and greatly loved by his students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and students.”
According to the university, Gordon and the students were walking along a beach when the wave hit.
In total, 12 students from Tennessee community colleges were on the trip. Of those 12, eight were from Pellissippi. The students have since had transportation arranged to get back home early.
Gordan started at Columbia State in 2008 as an adjunct professor in Humanities and Social Sciences.
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