Brandon Christie Wisconsin And Keith McKellar Obituary, Conway SC Death: GS Students Found Dead
Brandon Christie Wisconsin And Keith McKellar Obituary, Conway SC Death: On Monday afternoon, an email from Dean Rosen-Metsch informed the students of the School of General Studies about the tragic deaths of two fellow students, Brandon Christie and Keith McKellar. Both students, who began their studies at Columbia in Fall 2021, have left a profound impact on their community.
Keith McKellar, originally from Newtown, Pennsylvania, was a member of the Class of 2025 studying computer science. Before joining Columbia, McKellar started his academic career at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on English and Creative Writing. His professional journey included working as a programmer and later as a software engineer for The New York Times. Colleagues and friends remembered McKellar for his “deep and sophisticated intellectual curiosity” and described him as a “self-starter who was hardworking, responsible, caring, and engaged.”
Brandon Christie, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the GS Student Leadership Service Award, was pursuing a degree in Mathematics-Statistics. Christie’s commitment to serving student veterans was evident in his role as the director of community for the US Military Veterans of Columbia University. Described by Rosen-Metsch as an “avid athlete and traveler of the world,” Christie was also known for his leadership qualities and his “personable, kind, caring, and intelligent demeanor.”
Christie had been reported missing on September 9, with his vehicle last seen in Saranac, a town in Adirondack Park. Tragically, on September 15, the New York State Police discovered his body in a wooded area near a public parking lot. The authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected.
In light of these losses, Dean Rosen-Metsch has announced reflection spaces for those in need of support. On Monday, September 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) at 205 Kent Hall will host a reflection session. Another space will be held on Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the fourth-floor Baer Room of Lewisohn Hall. The GS Wellbeing team will be available for walk-ins on September 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to offer additional support. The GS Student Life and Wellbeing, Religious Life, and Counseling and Psychological Services teams will be present at both reflection spaces to provide support and counseling.