'Jeopardy!' contestant's final answer gets Alex Trebek choked up

One contestant on Monday’s night “Jeopardy!” show didn’t know the answer to the final question, so he sent some love to host Alex Trebek.

Dhruv Gaur, a student at Brown University from Gainesville, Georgia, competing in the Tournament of Champions, didn’t have a response to a question in the category “Famous Phrases.” Instead, he wrote something many are feeling for Trebek.

Gaur was in last place, so Trebek went to him first for his answer to Final Jeopardy.

“You’re smiling. I like that,” Trebek said to the grinning 18-year-old. “Let’s take a look at your response. Did you come up with the right one?

“What is, ‘We love you, Alex,’ ” Trebek read from Gaur’s blue screen. “That’s very kind. Thank you.”

Trebek was visibly emotional as he read the response. He gestured towards Gaur and the contestants as tried to gain his composure.

“Cost you $1,995,” Trebek continued, his voice breaking. “You’re left with $5.”

Today's Final Jeopardy! includes a heartfelt moment with Alex and another win for Emma! #TournamentOfChampions pic.twitter.com/qWnKFUKL2U

— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 12, 2019

???
Couldn't have said it better ourselves, Dhruv! #WeLoveYouAlex pic.twitter.com/JPpXjF2ifZ

— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 12, 2019

Gaur explained his motives after the show aired on Twitter. He posted that Trebek had shared that he was reentering treatment for pancreatic cancer. Gaur didn’t know the answer so wanted to let Trebek know what many are feeling.

Sorry for west coast spoilers, but I’m really glad I got the opportunity to say to Alex what everybody at the tournament was thinking ... 1/n

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

...for context, Alex had just shared with us that he was reentering treatment for pancreatic cancer. We were all hurting for him so badly. 2/n

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

When Final Jeopardy came up, I could’ve tried to puzzle it together, but really, just kept thinking about Alex, and thought he should know. 3/n

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

I’m just very grateful I got the opportunity to say what I know everyone was thinking. Sending all the love. #weloveyoualex

— Dhruv Gaur (@dhruvg_) November 12, 2019

Gaur, who was eliminated on Monday’s show, was the 2018 College Champion on “Jeopardy!” winning the $100,000 college tournament grand prize.

Pittsburgh physician and health care analyst Lindsey Shultz, a Connellsville native, will be featured on Wednesday’s “Jeopardy!” show.