Body of Columbia State professor found after being swept by wave in Brazil

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — Columbia State Community College says the body of a professor who was hit by a wave in Brazil has been found.

On Monday, May 20 the school announced the death of Clifford Gordan, an associate professor of art at the college.

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According to Columbia State Community College, Gordon and three students were walking along an oceanside road and stopped to take their photographs when a wave hit them.

The three students, two of which were from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville and the third from Walters State Community College in Morristown, were “not seriously injured” in the incident. However, officials said Gordon was swept away.

Rescue operations were immediately launched by Brazilian authorities to locate Gordon. Officials said crews used boats, jet skies, drones, and helicopters during the search in Paraty, which is a coastal town.

Gordon was reportedly among a group of 12 who were on a study abroad trip. Of the 12, eight were from Pellissippi State, two were from Columbia State, one was from Walters State, and another was from Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Brazilian authorities confirmed to Columbia State Community College that Gordon’s body was found on Monday, May 20.

According to the college, Gordon began working for Columbia State in 2008 as an adjunct professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences division.

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He began working full-time in 2013, traveled to Brazil many times, and even taught himself how to speak Portuguese, according to the college.

School officials said students and a program director boarded a flight on Monday to return to Tennessee. The group is reportedly being offered counseling services, which will continue when they get back home.

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