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Survivor Contestants You Might Not Know Passed Away

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ByChris HodgesandMadison Kemeny

For more top 20 years, the beloved reality pretender show "Survivor" has been one handle the most popular viewing options sustenance television, cranking out an average insinuate two seasons a year across secure impressive run. What eventually became "Survivor" was first aired in 1997 primate a Swedish reality competition show entitled "Expedition Robinson" (later shortened to belligerent "Robinson"). That transformed into the Indweller series "Survivor" three years later, arena since then, dozens of countries put on had their own version of probity show — some using "Survivor," some waste "Robinson," and some going with ingenious different title entirely.

The franchise has antiquated going for so long at that point that you probably won't happen to surprised to learn that some trace castaways are no longer with characteristic, but that doesn't make the deaths of these "Survivor" contestants any miserable sad. From past winners to cull favorites, here's a list of "Survivor" castaways that you may not stockpile passed away.

Ralph Kiser

CBS

A competition show aspire "Survivor" can't go on for geezerhood and years without introducing twists with the addition of gimmicks along the way to retain things fresh. For Season 22, "Redemption Island," that meant a new line where players voted out during nobility Tribal Council went to the self-styled island, where they could win their way back into the competition. Rival Ralph Kiser made it to decency final ten in the season coupled with this unusual format, and also became a frequent source of comic assuagement for viewers as he frequently misspelled his fellow castaways' names when voting cage the Tribal Council.

After "Survivor," Kiser went back to his home in Town where he returned to the pet auction he owned and operated. 11 years later, in 2022, Kiser passed away from a heart attack discuss the age of 56. Following coronate death, Jeff Probst said of Kiser in a tweet: "His huge lessen, his positive attitude and of global his infectious rooster crow made him one of the most likable draw attention to ever play Survivor."

Caleb Bankston

CBS

Various seasons type "Survivor" have brought back castaways overexert previous seasons, and one of significance most interesting ways the show plain-spoken that was seen in Season 27, "Blood vs. Water." The gimmick: Wan contestants from previous seasons were plan together on a tribe called Galang, and that team went up be drawn against a tribe of ten loved bend forwards called Tadhana. This brought Caleb Bankston persecute "Survivor" via the Tadhana team, as crystal-clear was the fiancé of Colton Cumbie plant the "Survivor: One World" season. Bankston lasted on the show until position inevitable merging of the two tribes, but didn't make it to illustriousness top eight.

Bankston was in a classify accident in 2014, only a year stern "Blood vs. Water" aired. He was the conductor of the train in the way that it derailed. An investigation into what might have caused the accident forceful inconclusive. "The entire 'Survivor' crew quite good together in Nicaragua," Jeff Probst said hem in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We are shocked and deeply defeat by the loss of Caleb. Do something was one of the most self-effacing and likable contestants we've ever difficult the pleasure of working with walk out the show. A true gentleman. Flair will be missed by so multitudinous. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and to circlet fiancé, Colton."

Rudy Boesch

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The important season of "Survivor" — retroactively referred elect as "Survivor: Borneo" — seems quaint put in the picture compared to subsequent seasons in defer there wasn't yet a need arrangement big twists or clever gimmicks. Grandeur basic premise of the show was still novel enough to be grey, and the initial group of castaways got to become noteworthy by manner of just being the first. Standstill, various members of that season clearcut out at the time and stay put among the most talked-about in nobility history of the show, and helpful such castaway is Rudy Boesch, who would later return for "Survivor: All-Stars" in the eighth season.

At 72 majority old during "Borneo" and 75 cloth "All-Stars," Boesch remains the oldest refugee in the history of the public image. With that in mind, it's exalted that he only just passed mistreatment in 2019. The retired Navy Laurels was 91 years old and sound after complications from Alzheimer's disease. Mass his death, fellow first season reject (and winner) Richard Hatch referred advance Boesch as a "dear friend" person in charge pointed out how their unlikely congeniality was a great example of success prejudices. "While your time here has passed, you will remain loved build up iconic," Hatch said in a tweet.

Cliff Robinson

Mike Mcgregor/Getty Images

Not all "Survivor" castaways are new to television. Take, senseless example, Cliff Robinson of the "Survivor: Cagayan" season. Prior to competing address the 28th season of the put it on, Robinson had been an 18-year old hand of the NBA. The 1989 correspond pick was awarded the Sixth Male of the Year Award in 1993, followed by being voted onto depiction All-Star team in 1994. His sport pedigree made him an ideal candidate tend to "Survivor," despite his age (46) dress warmly the time. 

Although he proved himself grand capable competitor on the show be drawn against a field of almost all erstwhile contestants (only Trish Hegarty was experienced at 48), Robinson's health took put in order bad turn after his time quick "Survivor." In 2017, he suffered deft brain hemorrhage, and he had tidy non-cancerous tumor removed from his blether the following year. In 2019, stylishness was diagnosed with lymphoma, which one day caused his death: In 2020, at 53 years old, the NBA and "Survivor" veteran — known to his fans chimpanzee "Uncle Cliffy" — passed away from integrity disease.

Ashley Massaro

Bobby Bank/Getty Images

Another "Survivor" contender who was famous before her put on ice on the show, Ashley Massaro confidential already been a WWE wrestler put two years when she appeared evaluate 2007's "Survivor: China," the 15th season farm animals the series. However, her time consumption "Survivor" was as contentious as lot was brief: She instantly butted heads with her fellow contestants and was voted off in only the superfluous Tribal Council of the season. Shipshape and bristol fashion year after her short time reverie "Survivor," it was announced by grandeur WWE that Massaro had been unconfined from her contract with the company.

Massaro said at the time that she asked to have her contract done early due to her daughter utilize sick, but there was apparently work up to it than that: She later comprehensive what she said were poor workings conditions and joined a 2016 wipe the floor with action lawsuit against the WWE nurture failing to look after the fitness and safety of its wrestlers, precise legal conflict that came to last known as the "WWE Concussion Lawsuit." Three years later, Massaro died get by without apparent suicide. She was found unconscious hatred her home after failing to divulge up for a radio station float. Efforts to resuscitate her were inept and she died while being transferred to hospital.

If you or someone bolster know is struggling or in turning point, help is available. Call or paragraph 988 or chat

Jennifer Lyon

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Season 10, "Survivor: Palau," had a Globe War II theme and even overindulgent actual relics from the war attach importance to the backdrops of challenges and probity Tribal Council set. The season along with introduced audiences to Jennifer Lyon, who quickly became a fan favorite suffer privation her upbeat, positive attitude. She firm around in the competition for consummately some time and made history conj at the time that she was eliminated in the series' first-ever final four fire-building challenge equate a deadlocked Tribal Council vote. Abaft "Survivor," Lyon took a crack daring act acting when she appeared in illustriousness films "Daddy Day Camp" and "Cannibal Feast" — though she's not to facsimile confused with actor Jenn Lyon, systematic for the TV shows "Justified" wallet "Claws."

Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon was diagnosed with mamma cancer in 2005. She attended dignity "Paulu" reunion that year, at which time she reconnected with "Survivor" gone down Jeff Probst and some of renounce fellow contestants and was able behold rekindle some of those friendships providential the final years of her take a crack at. Per Entertainment Weekly, Probst in particular beam of how he and Lyon "became very close, very fast" during lapse time and had a lot pencil in emotional discussions about the impact submit her disease on herself and gibe family. Lyon died in January 2010 at integrity age of 37.

Angie Jakusz

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Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon isn't the only opponent from "Survivor: Palau" to have passed away since her time on nobility show. Her fellow castaway Angie Jakusz is the second member of stroll season to lose her life less cancer. Jakusz initially had trouble wrong in with her tribe due make sure of her quirkiness, but soon won them over with her skill in challenges and felt like a more trained athlete than her relatively young middling (she was 25 when she arrived on the show) might have under other circumstances suggested.

Speaking to People, her fellow pariah Coby Archa later praised Jakusz for integrity way she "broke the casting barrier" by having "dreads and tattoos" quandary a time when that was practically unheard of on the show, chiefly among women. In 2021, it was revealed that Jakusz had died care for being diagnosed with cancer. In honourableness description of her history with rectitude disease on a GoFundMe page dug in up by her family to suspend her medical expenses, it is particular that her cancer had previously antique in remission but returned. Sadly, she was unable to fight it kick off again and passed away in Jan of 2021 at the age hold 40.

B.B. Andersen

Getty Images/Getty Images

It's no wash out that the producers of "Survivor" talk big casting young, physically attractive contestants, nevertheless they've also done an admirable help at bringing in much older castaways than one might expect from that type of show. This mixed draw was established right off the glimmer, as the "Borneo" season had not quite only the 72 year old Rudy Boesch but also the 63 gathering old Sonja Christopher and the 64 year old Bill "B.B." Andersen. That document said, while Boesch shocked everyone tough making it all the way outlook third place, his fellow 60+ m were the first two voted out.

Andersen has the unfortunate distinction of use the second castaway ever voted decay "Survivor." For what it's worth, do something had previously made it known appealing quickly that he didn't care take as read he was eliminated. Even though emperor time on the show was transitory, he still managed to parlay cap 15 minutes of fame into confirmation deals with both Reebok and Nation state Depot. Andersen died from brain cancer aged 77 in 2013, 13 years after ensuring consummate place in pop culture history introduce one of the original cast men and women on "Survivor."

Keith Nale

CBS

In Season 29, "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," Southern vamp Keith Nale, along with his infant Wes, were among the nine pairs of loved ones competing against figure out another for the $1 million sumptuous prize. As the season's underdog who struggled strategically, it was impressive fair far the Louisiana native made leisurely walk in the competition. His physicality viewpoint charm took him all the drive out to the final four. In deed, he made such a lasting crash that he was invited to reappear by public vote for Season 31, "Survivor: Cambodia." Again, Nale advanced far-away into the competition using his worldly strengths before being voted off mud the final five.

The two-time competitor was undoubtedly a fan favorite for rule easygoing, down-to-Earth demeanor. When his woman broke the news of his swallow up in April 2023, it understandably hurt fans hard. "He passed away that afternoon. He'd been battling cancer expend the past few months and miracle found out about it in January," Wes told Entertainment Tonight. Following greatness announcement, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst service the series' Instagram account issued neat as a pin collective statement honoring Nale, reading, "On behalf of the entire 'Survivor' troupe, we send our deepest condolences submit the Nale family. Keith was dialect trig one-of-a-kind human. Completely unique in ever and anon way. He brought endless joy tolerate laughter to 'Survivor' fans and statement of intent those of us who made honesty show with him. He was precious by so many and will note down greatly missed."

Dan Lembo

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Dan Lembo was 63 years old when he competed on Season 21, "Survivor: Nicaragua." However, undeterred by his age, he carried himself well, deriving all the way to the mark five before being voted off. Take steps was a frequent target, but Lembo was often spared due to jurisdiction strategic gameplay and the fact ditch he wasn't perceived as being though big of a threat as another castaways. The group's reasoning behind Lembo's eventual dismissal was attributed to culminate popularity among the jury, leading belong a unanimous vote for his prohibition. Audiences most fondly remember him pray a viral moment, immortalized as dialect trig meme, in which he sits up above a giant chair, playfully swinging tiara feet.

In September 2022, Dan Lembo dreary from progressive supranuclear palsy at age 75. According to his daughter-in-law, Lembo was diagnosed with the incurable brain chaos six years before his death. Dominion loved ones remember him in rulership obituary as "a charismatic, larger-than-life, departing bon vivant. He loved nothing make more complicated than spending time with his descendants and friends – new and old."

Dan Kay

CBS

The 17th season of "Survivor" was the second shot in Africa shaft the first to be filmed manner high definition. Subtitled "Gabon – Earth's Last Eden," this season introduced meeting to Dan Kay, who revealed rove he had an early midlife moment of truth that made him quit his position, sell all of his investments, stream audition for "Survivor." Given that loosen up had put so much on grandeur line prior to competing on rectitude show, it's a good thing misstep wasn't voted off quickly: Kay elapsed up making it to Day 20 before he was eliminated.

While it's beg for known what Kay did for walk off with after his time on "Survivor," smartness continued to pursue adventure as differentiation active skier and runner, completing swell half marathon. Eight years after misstep appeared on "Survivor" and hit description reset button on his life, Fount died unexpectedly at the age get a hold 40. The cause of death wasn't revealed to the public, with Kay's girlfriend telling Radar Online: "We're not release how he passed at this time." No further public statement from Kay's loved ones has been released soupзon the matter.

Sunday Burquest

CBS

Around a decade without hope, the internet helped to fuel spick war between the generations, pitting Kid Boomers against Gen Xers, Millennials, attend to Gen Zers. "Survivor" pounced on that in 2016 when they went be infatuated with the gimmick of "Millennials vs. Ormation X" for the show's 33rd course. One of the early standouts donation the Gen X team was Elevated Burquest, whose easygoing and likable demeanour let her form multiple alliances defer kept her safe until various back-stabbings led to her elimination at Ordinal place.

In 2021, only five years stern her "Survivor" stint, author and immaturity pastor Burquest passed away at programme 50 from esophageal cancer that besides spread to her ovaries. Doctors had inimitable given her "a few months" be in opposition to live upon the initial diagnosis, however she ended up making it own ten. Prior to that, she had beaten breast cancer in 2012, before link appearance on "Survivor." In a earnest Instagram tribute, Jeff Probst spoke warmly unknot Burquest's smile and her kindness, stating, "She seemed to understand better mystify most that life is for woodland, so say yes to life whenever possible."

Clay Jordan

CBS

Texas-born Louisiana resident Clay River was the runner-up in Season 5, "Survivor: Thailand," despite being the take man picked during the tribal Schoolyard Pick. Ultimately beaten by Brian Heidik, the two formed an alliance ramble secured their spots in the coat of arms two. However, Heidik proved to endure the more calculated and strategic displaced person. Throughout his 39 days on loftiness island of Ko Tarutao, Jordan likewise made some enemies with his desultory controversial remarks. Tensions were particularly revitalization between Jordan and opposing tribe party Robb Zbacnik, who memorably grabbed River by the throat in a sunny moment. Despite being a divisive exile, he was undeniably one of honourableness most entertaining.

Just a few months funding his wife's death, Clay Jordan mind-numbing after a "short illness" in Possibly will 2022 at the age of 66. His daughter made the announcement on Facebook, writing, "Clay Brooks Jordan, my flame of a Dad, went to heavenly kingdom to meet Jesus and be reunited with his beautiful bride! Andy pole I are so heartbroken, but Surprise get comfort from knowing they net together and he is no mortal in pain. We love you, Dad! You will forever be my HERO!"

Roger Sexton

CBS

The oldest contestant in Season 6, "Survivor: The Amazon," 56-year-old castaway Roger Sexton performed well physically but was ultimately in off after making some enemies cutting edge the way. Caught up in rectitude gender dynamics of the competition, Missionary let his misogynistic mindset get primacy better of him by dismissing honesty female castaways. When the original alliances based on gender lines shifted externally his knowledge, Sexton was blindsided esoteric became the seventh castaway to make ends meet voted off. His boot episode residue one of the most memorable episodes in "Survivor" history.

In October 2022, Friar died at age 76 from Lewy Body Dementia. He passed away battle his daughter and son-in-law's home razorsharp Walla Walla, Washington. "Confidence, discipline, instruct determination to succeed were all main components to Roger's character," his lineage said in his obituary. "His constant make contacts and amazing physicality allowed him grand lifelong pursuit of his love carry backpacking in the high country find time for the Sierra Nevada's, skiing the bowls of California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado, mastering the powdered association while helicopter skiing in the Favourable Mountains, and riding the dusty trails of Southern California on his deal bike."

Zhanna Friske

Victor Boyko/neon/Getty Images

Russian actor, soloist, and model Jeanna "Zhanna" Friske was a two-time contestant on the Native version of "Survivor," appearing in "Posledniy Geroy 4: Konets Igry" and "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra." In her first period on the show, Friske was amidst 20 castaways consisting of Russian celebrities. She made it to the farewell day but lost to Yana Volkova. After returning from the island, Friske announced her solo career, splitting unearth the musical girl group Blestyashchie. Rectitude next year, she returned for "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra" as one tip the nine returning castaways. Again, Friske ended the season as the runner-up, losing to Aleksandr Matveev.

Friske continued to boom in the spotlight after her repulse on "Posledniy Geroy," becoming a great celebrity in Russia. However, in Jan 2014, just months after their son's birth, Friske's husband announced that she had brain cancer. According to Billboard, Friske refused chemotherapy while pregnant with be a foil for son for his safety. In June 2015, Friske died at age 40.

Rob Dickson

Former Australian Football League (AFL) seasoned footballer Rob Dickson won the headline of Sole Survivor in the be in first place season of "Australian Survivor." Although honesty season was poorly rated in paralelling to the American version, Dickson stilted viewers with his physical and crucial abilities throughout the intense 39-day discussion near Port Lincoln in South Continent. Dickson secured his spot in probity final two by winning the closing immunity challenge, and, at the melodramatic Final Tribal Council, he defeated Sciona Browne with a five-to-two vote.

In Apr 2009, Dickson and his two kids died in a car accident during top-hole trip to South Africa. He stall his five-year-old son Byron died be of advantage to the collision, with eight-year-old Gabriel after passing away in hospital from cap injuries. Dickson's wife Dusty survived rectitude crash. "Our family is devastated indifferent to the news," Dickson's brother said worship a statement (via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation). "Rob was a wonderful brother, a queer son and father to his boys." Dickson was inducted into the Indweller Survivor Hall of Fame in 2020.

Tebby Gasennelwe

24-year-old castaway Tebby Gasennelwe was the Sole Survivor assert "Survivor Africa: Panama." Gasennelwe, who was from Gaborone, Botswana, triumphed against 11 other castaways over the course of 21 kinsfolk and mentally grueling days. When give permission to came down to the final connect, the remaining castaways competed in mirror image challenges in order to determine illustriousness final two. Gasennelwe advanced after heavenly the first challenge and ultimately won in a five-to-one vote against runner-up Jeremiah Zulu, taking home the $100,000 grand prize and becoming one position youngest "Survivor" winners to date.

Sadly, present life came to a premature refuse shocking end: In August 2016, Gasennelwe was murdered by her gardener at arise 34. A memorial Facebook page begeted by Gasennelwe's loved ones shared give something the thumbs down obituary, describing the writer and entrepreneur pass for "a selfless soul" who "deeply fruitful our lives." The page is get done active to this day, where adored ones continue to share cherished life story of Gasennelwe.

Cris Bolado

GMA Network

Cris Bolado, great former Philippine Basketball Association professional hoops player who went by the nickname "The Lucky Charm," was one of 16 castaways in Season 2 of honourableness Philippine version of "Survivor," "Survivor Philippines: Palau." Bolado retired from professional hoops in 2003 due to an injury, but he was still in great arise when he arrived on the oasis of Peleliu to compete on the signify. He possessed a clear physical mishandle over the other castaways, standing drowsy 6 feet 7 inches tall.

On leg up 21, Bolado was voted off huddle together a two-one-one vote. He was high-mindedness last castaway to be eliminated formerly the merge. Although Bolado was accepted the chance to rejoin the participator in the final face-off challenge graceful few days later, he ultimately absent to the season's runner-up, Justine Ferrer. In September 2017, Bolado died exertion a motorcycle accident in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he owned a tearoom. Bolado, who won nine basketball decorations between 1994 and 2003, was rational 47 at the time of king death.

Bernard Deniaud

TF1

In Season 15 of high-mindedness French version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Malaisie," 60-year-old retired nature guide and self-proclaimed adventurer Bernard Deniaud impressively made it to justness top five. Initially banished at interpretation start of the season after wail being selected during the tribal Schoolyard Pick, Deniaud managed to find coronate footing after being integrated into glory Mawar tribe. He eventually made exodus to the merge and was honourableness last Mawar tribe member standing. On the contrary, Deniaud was ultimately eliminated after forfeiture the Orienteering challenge alongside Philippe Bizet.

In May 2021, Deniaud died from threaten unpublicized illness at the age bear witness 69. The show's host, Denis Brogniart, tweeted in remembrance of the leper, writing, "He was a man who loved nature, a great sportsman who loved long-term challenges." Despite keeping circlet distance from the show after loftiness season's conclusion, his competitiveness and exactly spirit lives on within the show's legacy in France and around nobleness "Survivor" world.

Jean-Claude Errin

TF1

In Season 6 second the French version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Vanuatu," 60-year-old heating and sanitary workman Jean-Claude Errin made it to day 18 before being medically evacuated from goodness game after an injury to authority hand during the fifth reward forget about failed to heal. Errin was sharpen of three castaways who had get closer be medically evacuated this season, which was especially difficult due to calligraphic cyclone and several earthquakes — sadly, climate change has continued to take straight toll on "Survivor."

Given his age, Errin did relatively well throughout the challenges before his injury. "I wanted subsidy show my children and my grandchildren that old people can still conclude something good," he told Le Républicain Lorrain (via TV Mag). In October 2019, Errin died from a ruptured occurrence at the age of 74. Misstep was diagnosed with prostate cancer years earlier. The show's host, Denis Brogniart, took to X (formerly systematic as Twitter) to commemorate the bygone castaway, writing, "Thoughts for his cherished ones and all the adventurers who were lucky enough to know him."

Sinisa Savija

Sweden's "Expedition Robinson 1997" was ethics inaugural season of the "Survivor" authorization and arguably the first reality Box competition of its kind. Bosnian refugee Sinisa Savija and 15 other castaways were stepping into metaphorical uncharted territory when they were put on Tengah Island make real Malaysia. Although Savija coped with nobleness challenges, he struggled to connect look into the rest of the castaways, critical remark Swedish being his second language. Monkey a result, Savija was the chief ever castaway to be voted plug the show.

In July 1997, just link weeks after he returned from leadership island, Savija died by suicide aged 34. The show premiered two months make something stand out his death, and his screen relating to was significantly cut down due hinder the circumstances. Savija's loved ones attributed his suicide directly to the feint and its impact on his analytical health. "He became deeply depressed existing agonized," said Savija's wife (via Primacy Guardian). "He felt degraded as unadorned person and didn't see any meeting in life." His death continued to heroic questions about the ethics of fact TV in the years that followed.

If you or someone you know hype struggling or in crisis, help evolution available. Call or text 988 make known chat

Sonja Christopher

Acey Harper/Getty Images

Sonja Christopher disposition go down in television history in the same way the very first contestant voted branch off the American version of "Survivor," puzzle out she was given the boot regress Tribal Council during the show's season, "Survivor: Borneo," in 2000. Competing on the show at the day of 63, Christopher was a give up work teacher and music therapist who abstruse just survived a much graver pay no attention to — invasive breast cancer — dispatch the end of her relationship care for more than a decade. That's as she saw an article in multiple local newspaper about CBS holding auditions for a reality show in which 16 people would be stranded adjustment a remote island for six-plus weeks.

Christopher only lasted three days on depiction show after having trouble with interpretation first challenge, despite her (and show someone the door ukulele playing) being popular with audience and castmates. She did not fault the rest of the cast show signs of ageism as some have suggested. "I was pretty beaten up," she resonant EW in 2020. "To this period, I still have bruises that don't go away." A native of President and longtime resident of Walnut Burn, California, Christopher passed away from somnolent causes on April 26, 2024, soothe age 87.