Former Chattanooga State Art Student Dies In Brazil After Being Hit By Rogue Wave

  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Clifford Gordon
Clifford Gordon

A former Chattanooga State art student has died after he was struck by a "rogue wave" while walking along a beach in Brazil.

Clifford Gordon was leading a group of students from across Tennessee on a study tour. He was on a walk with three of the students when the wave suddenly struck.

They had stopped to take a picture at the location near Paraty, Brazil.

The three students were treated for injuries.

The body of Mr. Gordon, who was a professor at Columbia State, was later recovered.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State Community College president, said, "We were heartbroken to hear of this tragic accident. 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.”

Mr. Gordon gained his A.A. from Chattanooga State Community College in  Studio Art in 1999.

He went on to attain a B.A. from Tennessee State University in Studio Art in 2001 and an M.A. from Memphis College in Studio Art in 2004.

Breaking News
Superintendent Says Budget Being Cut To The Bone; School Board Opposes Watson Bill On Undocumented Students
  • 4/18/2025

The County School Board on Thursday night voted to direct Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson to propose a balanced budget for board discussion for fiscal year 2026. Finance committee Chairman ... more

Soddy Daisy Sets Rule On Shipping Container Buildings; Drops Distance Requirement From Alcohol Establishments
Soddy Daisy Sets Rule On Shipping Container Buildings; Drops Distance Requirement From Alcohol Establishments
  • 4/18/2025

The Soddy Daisy zoning ordinance has been amended to add a new section related to shipping containers that are being used as an accessory building. Discussions about this have been taking place ... more

Crews Begin Installing Massive Miter Gates At Chickamauga Lock
Crews Begin Installing Massive Miter Gates At Chickamauga Lock
  • 4/18/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, in partnership with Shimmick Construction and Tennessee Valley Authority, recently began erecting massive miter gates for the Chickamauga ... more