Tennessee professor missing after being hit by wave in Brazil

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) – A Columbia State Community College professor in Tennessee is missing after being hit by a rogue wave while walking along a shoreline in Brazil. 

According to the community college, the professor and three students were walking on an oceanside road and stopped to take photographs when a wave hit them.

“The three students are safe and I believe were not seriously injured when the wave struck,” said Amy Spears, spokesperson for Columbia State Community College. “Unfortunately, our professor is still missing. Search and rescue operations by Brazilian authorities were launched immediately and, I understand, are still underway.”

The Tennessee students and professor were among a group of 12 who were in Brazil on a study abroad program, officials said.

Of the 12, eight are reportedly from Pellissippi State in Knoxville, two are from Columbia State, one from Walters State, and one from Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis.

Columbia State did not provide the name of the professor, but did say they are “greatly saddened” about the incident.

Our college family was greatly saddened to hear of the tragic accident that happened on the TnCIS study abroad trip in Brazil. We are thankful that no students were seriously injured. Our thoughts and prayers remain with our professor and family as we await additional information from Brazilian search and rescue efforts.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State Community College President

The search for the missing professor continued on Sunday, May 19. According to the Tennessee Board of Regents, Brazilian search crews are using boats, jet skies, drones and helicopters to locate the missing professor in Paraty, which is a coastal town.

School officials said students and a program director will board a flight on Monday, May 20 to return to Tennessee. The group is reportedly being offered counseling services, which will continue when they get back home.

No additional details were immediately released.