Celebration of 2020 salutatorian’s life is Sunday

A celebration of the life of Douglas High School 2020 salutatorian Quincy “Sky” Russell is Sunday in Sparks.

The 21-year-old former Gardnerville Ranchos resident was found dead on May 4 on the University of Nevada, Reno, Quad.

An environmental science student, Russell was remembered at a gathering on May 7, according to the university student newspaper, Nevada Sagebrush.

Russell was a member of the pandemic class, which finished their education online after the coronavirus outbreak shut down the schools.

In a 2020 interview conducted by The Record-Courier, Russell said a dream job would be using technological skills to save birds.

A runner, Russell competed in track and field as a freshman and sophomore and was in speech and debate as a junior.

Russell was a fan of future base and lo-fi hip hop as a senior, with hobbies involving computer, music production and graphic design.

Russell’s interest in the outdoors was piqued by working with a trail crew with the U.S. Forest Service in 2018.

A gofundme was organized for Russell seeking $20,000 that raised $25,835.

According to the fundraiser, Russell was due to graduate with an emphasis in conservation and a minor in Geological Information Services, an interest Russell had expressed in the 2020 interview. A celebration of the life of Douglas High School 2020 salutatorian Quincy “Sky” Russell is Sunday in Sparks.