Keith McKellar Death:- Brandon Christie and Keith McKellar have both passed away in separate incidents. Both were students at Columbia University, having enrolled in the Fall of 2021.
McKellar, a native of Newtown, Pennsylvania, was pursuing a computer science degree as a member of the Class of 2025. He began his higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied English and Creative Writing. McKellar transitioned from programming to a role as a software engineer at The New York Times.
Those who knew him described him as having a “deep and sophisticated intellectual curiosity” and noted his qualities as a “self-starter who was hardworking, responsible, caring, and engaged.”
Christie, who served in the United States Marine Corps for four and a half years, earned an associate’s degree from Orange Coast College before starting his studies in Mathematics-Statistics at Columbia.
He was deeply involved in supporting student veterans, earning the GS Student Leadership Service Award for his contributions and serving as the director of community for the US Military Veterans of Columbia University.
Rosen-Metsch characterized Christie as an “avid athlete and world traveler,” and noted that he was recognized by loved ones as a “natural leader with a personable, kind, caring, and intelligent demeanor.”
Christie was reported missing on September 9, with his vehicle last seen in Saranac, a town in Adirondack Park. On September 15, the New York State Police confirmed he was found deceased in a wooded area near a public parking lot. Foul play was not suspected.
In response to these losses, Rosen-Metsch has announced two community reflection spaces to support those grieving. On Monday, September 16, from 1 to 4 pm, the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) at 205 Kent Hall will host a reflection space.
Another will be held on Tuesday, September 17, from 10 am to 12 pm, in the fourth-floor Baer Room of Lewisohn Hall. Representatives from GS Student Life and Wellbeing, Religious Life, and Counseling and Psychological Services will be present at these reflection spaces. Additionally, the GS Wellbeing team will offer walk-in support on September 16 from 10:30 am to 5 pm.