Shannon Christy loved to fly fish. Photo by Tucker Horne
The body of Western Carolina University alumna Shannon Christy, 23, was recovered from the Potomac River in Virginia on July 11. Search and rescue authorities believe that Christy became stuck while kayaking and was forced to remove her safety and flotation device.
Christy graduated from Western Carolina University in May of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. During her time at WCU Christy served as the TV62 assistant director of new media as well as a contributing feature writer for the Tuckasegee Reader. During her senior year at Western Carolina she served as a feature writer, editor and administrator for The Western Carolina Journalist.
Kayaking was a true passion for Christy. In 2011 she began working as a marketing associate for Confluence Watersports, the leading manufacturers of kayaks.
Christy made an impact on the lives of those around her and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
“She was a great spirit who loved adventure,” said Dr. Katerina Spasovska, assistant professor of journalism at Western Carolina University.
Funeral arrangements have not been made at this time.
“I just really like smiling, it’s my favorite,” Christy wrote as part of her paddler biography for this weekend’s Great Falls Race.
The Western Carolina Journalist extends condolences to the Christy family during this time.
