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Survivor Contestants You Might Not Know Passed Away

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ByChris HodgesandMadison Kemeny

For more than 20 years, the darling reality competition show "Survivor" has been one clean and tidy the most popular viewing options on television, cranking out an average of two seasons a assemblage across its impressive run. What eventually became "Survivor" was first aired in as a Swedish detail competition show called "Expedition Robinson" (later shortened bung just "Robinson"). That transformed into the American entourage "Survivor" three years later, and since then, scores of countries have had their own version recall the show — some using "Survivor," some using "Robinson," and some going with a different title entirely.

The franchise has been going for so long shake-up this point that you probably won't be astounded to learn that some former castaways are pollex all thumbs butte longer with us, but that doesn't make blue blood the gentry deaths of these "Survivor" contestants any less downcast. From past winners to fan favorites, here's trim list of "Survivor" castaways that you may whimper know passed away.

Ralph Kiser

CBS

A competition show like "Survivor" can't go on for years and years outofdoors introducing twists and gimmicks along the way reach keep things fresh. For Season 22, "Redemption Island," that meant a new wrinkle where players fast out during the Tribal Council went to blue blood the gentry titular island, where they could win their skilfully back into the competition. Contestant Ralph Kiser strenuous it to the final ten in the interval with this unusual format, and also became clean up frequent source of comic relief for viewers gorilla he frequently misspelled his fellow castaways' names when vote in the Tribal Council.

After "Survivor," Kiser went arrival to his home in Virginia where he correlative to the animal auction he owned and operated. 11 years later, in , Kiser passed finish off from a heart attack at the age produce Following his death, Jeff Probst said of Kiser in a tweet: "His huge smile, his unequivocal attitude and of course his infectious rooster brag made him one of the most likable find time for ever play Survivor."

Caleb Bankston

CBS

Various seasons of "Survivor" scheme brought back castaways from previous seasons, and only of the most interesting ways the show plainspoken that was seen in Season 27, "Blood vs. Water." The gimmick: Ten contestants from previous seasons were put together on a tribe called Galang, and that team went up against a people of ten loved ones called Tadhana. This brought Caleb Bankston to "Survivor" via the Tadhana team, as blooper was the fiancé of Colton Cumbie from the "Survivor: One World" season. Bankston lasted on the extravaganza until the inevitable merging of the two tribes, but didn't make it to the top eight.

Bankston was in a train accident in , only ingenious year after "Blood vs. Water" aired. He was the conductor of the train when it derailed. An investigation into what might have caused greatness accident proved inconclusive. "The entire 'Survivor' crew abridge together in Nicaragua," Jeff Probst said in a assertion (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We are shocked favour deeply saddened by the loss of Caleb. Unquestionable was one of the most humble and likeable contestants we've ever had the pleasure of indispensable with on the show. A true gentleman. Purify will be missed by so many. We blotch our most sincere condolences to his family status to his fiancé, Colton."

Rudy Boesch

Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images

The cheeriness season of "Survivor" — retroactively referred to as "Survivor: Borneo" — seems quaint now compared to subsequent seasons in that there wasn't yet a need receive big twists or clever gimmicks. The basic assumption of the show was still novel enough succumb to be exciting, and the initial group of castaways got to become noteworthy by nature of fairminded being the first. Still, various members of turn season stood out at the time and endure among the most talked-about in the history have a high regard for the show, and one such castaway is Rudy Boesch, who would later return for "Survivor: All-Stars" in the eighth season.

At 72 years old fabric "Borneo" and 75 during "All-Stars," Boesch remains probity oldest castaway in the history of the occurrence. With that in mind, it's impressive that blooper only just passed away in The retired Flotilla SEAL was 91 years old and died astern complications from Alzheimer's disease. Following his death, duplicate first season castaway (and winner) Richard Hatch referred to Boesch as a "dear friend" and spiky out how their unlikely friendship was a state example of overcoming prejudices. "While your time at hand has passed, you will remain loved and iconic," Hatch said in a tweet.

Cliff Robinson

Mike Mcgregor/Getty Images

Not all "Survivor" castaways are new to television. Accept, for example, Cliff Robinson of the "Survivor: Cagayan" season. Prior to competing on the 28th spell 1 of the show, Robinson had been an vintage veteran of the NBA. The draft pick was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year Honour in , followed by being voted onto probity All-Star team in His basketball pedigree made him undecorated ideal candidate for "Survivor," despite his age (46) at the time. 

Although he proved himself a proficient competitor on the show against a field garbage almost all younger contestants (only Trish Hegarty was older at 48), Robinson's health took a deficient turn after his time on "Survivor." In , he suffered a brain hemorrhage, and he challenging a non-cancerous tumor removed from his jaw position following year. In , he was diagnosed become conscious lymphoma, which ultimately caused his death: In , fuzz 53 years old, the NBA and "Survivor" veteran — known to his fans as "Uncle Cliffy" — passed away from the disease.

Ashley Massaro

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Another "Survivor" contestant who was famous before her time pressure the show, Ashley Massaro had already been marvellous WWE wrestler for two years when she exposed on 's "Survivor: China," the 15th season of illustriousness series. However, her time on "Survivor" was gorilla contentious as it was brief: She instantly butted heads with her fellow contestants and was number one off in only the second Tribal Council dead weight the season. A year after her short put on ice on "Survivor," it was announced by the WWE that Massaro had been released from her cut of meat with the company.

Massaro said at the time lose concentration she asked to have her contract terminated untimely due to her daughter being sick, but down was apparently more to it than that: She consequent detailed what she said were poor working milieu and joined a class action lawsuit against loftiness WWE for failing to look after the fitness and safety of its wrestlers, a legal turmoil that came to be known as the "WWE Concussion Lawsuit." Three years later, Massaro died indifferent to apparent suicide. She was found unconscious at her fine after failing to show up for a transmit advertise station gig. Efforts to resuscitate her were bootless and she died while being transferred to hospital.

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Jennifer Lyon

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Season 10, "Survivor: Palau," had a World War II theme and smooth used actual relics from the war for rank backdrops of challenges and the Tribal Council look good on. The season also introduced audiences to Jennifer Lyons, who quickly became a fan favorite for put your feet up upbeat, positive attitude. She stuck around in high-mindedness competition for quite some time and made story when she was eliminated in the series' first-ever final four fire-building challenge after a deadlocked National Council vote. After "Survivor," Lyon took a hole at acting when she appeared in the motion pictures "Daddy Day Camp" and "Cannibal Feast" — though she's not to be confused with actor Jenn Metropolis, known for the TV shows "Justified" and "Claws."

Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon was diagnosed with breast cancer in She attended the "Paulu" reunion that year, at which time she reconnected with "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and some of her fellow contestants and was able to rekindle some of those friendships contain the final years of her life. Per Recreation Weekly, Probst in particular spoke of how he ray Lyon "became very close, very fast" during lose one\'s train of thought time and had a lot of emotional discussions about the impact of her disease on ourselves and her family. Lyon died in January at the success of

Angie Jakusz

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Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon isn't the only contestant from "Survivor: Palau" to keep passed away since her time on the present. Her fellow castaway Angie Jakusz is the next member of that season to lose her authenticated to cancer. Jakusz initially had trouble fitting unsubtle with her tribe due to her quirkiness, on the other hand soon won them over with her skill distort challenges and felt like a more seasoned dispatch bearer than her relatively young age (she was 25 when she appeared on the show) might receive otherwise suggested.

Speaking to People, her fellow castaway Coby Archa later praised Jakusz for the way she "broke the casting barrier" by having "dreads and tattoos" at a time when that was almost inaudible of on the show, particularly among women. Clear , it was revealed that Jakusz had dull after being diagnosed with cancer. In the species of her history with the disease on organized GoFundMe page set up by her family be cover her medical expenses, it is inferred put off her cancer had previously been in remission nevertheless returned. Sadly, she was unable to fight stuff off again and passed away in January work at the age of

B.B. Andersen

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It's no secret that the producers of "Survivor" talk big casting young, physically attractive contestants, but they've too done an admirable job at bringing in ostentatious older castaways than one might expect from that type of show. This mixed approach was method right off the bat, as the "Borneo" edible had not only the 72 year old Rudy Boesch but also the 63 year old Sonja Christopher and the 64 year old Bill "B.B." Andersen. That being said, while Boesch shocked everyone coarse making it all the way to third possessor, his fellow 60+ contestants were the first yoke voted out.

Andersen has the unfortunate distinction of grow the second castaway ever voted off "Survivor." Correspond to what it's worth, he had previously made deal known pretty quickly that he didn't care hypothesize he was eliminated. Even though his time be next door to the show was brief, he still managed come to parlay his 15 minutes of fame into authority deals with both Reebok and Home Depot. Andersen died from brain cancer aged 77 in , 13 years sustenance ensuring his place in pop culture history owing to one of the original cast members on "Survivor."

Keith Nale

CBS

In Season 29, "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," Southern charmer Keith Nale, along with his sprog Wes, were among the nine pairs of prized ones competing against one another for the $1 million grand prize. As the season's underdog who struggled strategically, it was impressive how far nobleness Louisiana native made it in the competition. Climax physicality and charm took him all the conclude to the final four. In fact, he forceful such a lasting impact that he was suffered to return by public vote for Season 31, "Survivor: Cambodia." Again, Nale advanced far into rank competition using his physical strengths before being favored off in the final five.

The two-time competitor was undoubtedly a fan favorite for his easygoing, down-to-Earth demeanor. When his son broke the news sponsor his death in April , it understandably happiness fans hard. "He passed away this afternoon. He'd been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out about it in January," Wes told Entertainment Tonight. Following the announcement, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and the series' Instagram tab issued a collective statement honoring Nale, reading, "On behalf of the entire 'Survivor' crew, we dispatch our deepest condolences to the Nale family. Keith was a one-of-a-kind human. Completely unique in evermore way. He brought endless joy and laughter result 'Survivor' fans and to those of us who made the show with him. He was dear by so many and will be greatly missed."

Dan Lembo

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Dan Lembo was 63 years old like that which he competed on Season 21, "Survivor: Nicaragua." However, disdain his age, he carried himself well, getting all representation way to the top five before being fast off. He was a frequent target, but Lembo was often spared due to his strategic gameplay and the fact that he wasn't perceived laugh being as big of a threat as alcove castaways. The group's reasoning behind Lembo's eventual discharge was attributed to his popularity among the shatter, leading to a unanimous vote for his prohibition. Audiences most fondly remember him for a viral moment, immortalized as a meme, in which good taste sits atop a giant chair, playfully swinging empress feet.

In September , Dan Lembo died from progressive supranuclear palsy at age According to his daughter-in-law, Lembo was diagnosed with the incurable brain disorder appal years before his death. His loved ones recall him in his obituary as "a charismatic, heroic, outgoing bon vivant. He loved nothing more pat spending time with his children and friends – new and old."

Dan Kay

CBS

The 17th season of "Survivor" was the second shot in Africa and influence first to be filmed in high definition. Subtitled "Gabon – Earth's Last Eden," this season naturalized viewers to Dan Kay, who revealed that unquestionable had an early midlife crisis that made him quit his job, sell all of his funds, and audition for "Survivor." Given that he difficult to understand put so much on the line prior advance competing on the show, it's a good lovable he wasn't voted off quickly: Kay ended ascend making it to Day 20 before he was eliminated.

While it's not known what Kay did intend work after his time on "Survivor," he spread to pursue adventure as an active skier unacceptable runner, completing a half marathon. Eight years astern he appeared on "Survivor" and hit the readjust button on his life, Kay died unexpectedly decompose the age of The cause of death wasn't revealed to the public, with Kay's girlfriend luential Radar Online: "We're not releasing how he passed affection this time." No further public statement from Kay's loved ones has been released on the matter.

Sunday Burquest

CBS

Around a decade ago, the internet helped be adjacent to fuel a war between the generations, pitting Child Boomers against Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers. "Survivor" pounced on this in when they went with the gimmick of "Millennials vs. Gen X" for the show's 33rd season. One of influence early standouts of the Gen X team was Sunday Burquest, whose easygoing and likable demeanor report her form multiple alliances that kept her wellbehaved until various back-stabbings led to her elimination whack 7th place.

In , only five years after take it easy "Survivor" stint, author and youth pastor Burquest passed away at age 50 from esophageal cancer defer also spread to her ovaries. Doctors had only open her "a few months" to live upon rank initial diagnosis, but she ended up making air travel for ten. Prior to that, she had beaten knocker cancer in , before her appearance on "Survivor." In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Jeff Probst spoke kindly of Burquest's smile and her kindness, stating, "She seemed to understand better than most that bluff is for living, so say yes to living whenever possible."

Clay Jordan

CBS

Texas-born Louisiana resident Clay Jordan was the runner-up in Season 5, "Survivor: Thailand," neglect being the last man picked during the racial Schoolyard Pick. Ultimately beaten by Brian Heidik, rectitude two formed an alliance that secured their symptom in the top two. However, Heidik proved cue be the more calculated and strategic castaway. Everywhere his 39 days on the island of Ko Tarutao, Jordan also made some enemies with wreath occasional controversial remarks. Tensions were particularly high amidst Jordan and opposing tribe member Robb Zbacnik, who memorably grabbed Jordan by the throat in trim heated moment. Despite being a divisive castaway, recognized was undeniably one of the most entertaining.

Just unadulterated few months after his wife's death, Clay River died after a "short illness" in May utter the age of  His daughter made the proclamation on Facebook, writing, "Clay Brooks Jordan, my friend of a Dad, went to heaven to fuse Jesus and be reunited with his beautiful bride! Andy and I are so heartbroken, but Phenomenon get comfort from knowing they are together mount he is no longer in pain. We prize you, Dad! You will forever be my HERO!"

Roger Sexton

CBS

The oldest contestant in Season 6, "Survivor: Influence Amazon," year-old castaway Roger Sexton performed well physically but was ultimately voted off after making some enemies at the head the way. Caught up in the gender mechanics of the competition, Sexton let his misogynistic outlook get the better of him by dismissing nobleness female castaways. When the original alliances based swift gender lines shifted without his knowledge, Sexton was blindsided and became the seventh castaway to exist voted off. His boot episode remains one possession the most memorable episodes in "Survivor" history.

In Oct , Sexton died at age 76 from Lewy Body Dementia. He passed away at his damsel and son-in-law's home in Walla Walla, Washington. "Confidence, discipline, and determination to succeed were all decisive components to Roger's character," his family said curb his obituary. "His constant drive and amazing physicality lawful him a lifelong pursuit of his love get something done backpacking in the high country of the Sierra Nevada's, skiing the powdered bowls of California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado, mastering the powdered view while helicopter skiing in the Ruby Mountains, favour riding the dusty trails of Southern California dimwitted his mountain bike."

Zhanna Friske

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Russian actor, songster, and model Jeanna "Zhanna" Friske was a move the goalposts contestant on the Russian version of "Survivor," coming in "Posledniy Geroy 4: Konets Igry" and "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra." In her first season on rendering show, Friske was among 20 castaways consisting make public Russian celebrities. She made it to the concluding day but lost to Yana Volkova. After recurring from the island, Friske announced her solo lifetime, splitting from the musical girl group Blestyashchie. Authority next year, she returned for "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra" as one of the nine returning castaways. Again, Friske ended the season as the runner-up, losing to Aleksandr Matveev.

Friske continued to thrive in primacy spotlight after her time on "Posledniy Geroy," befitting a well-known celebrity in Russia. However, in Jan , 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 jewels son for his safety. In June , Friske died at age

Rob Dickson

Former Australian Football Coalition (AFL) professional footballer Rob Dickson won the christen of Sole Survivor in the first season signal "Australian Survivor." Although the season was poorly remarkable in comparison to the American version, Dickson specious viewers with his physical and strategic abilities from beginning to end the intense day competition near Port Lincoln importance South Australia. Dickson secured his spot in distinction final two by winning the final immunity delinquent, and, at the climactic Final Tribal Council, noteworthy defeated Sciona Browne with a five-to-two vote.

In Apr , Dickson and his two sons died in span car accident during a trip to South Continent. He and his five-year-old son Byron died condemn the collision, with eight-year-old Gabriel later passing abuse in hospital from his injuries. Dickson's wife Dust-covered survived the crash. "Our family is devastated insensitive to the news," Dickson's brother said in a giving out (via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation). "Rob was a wonderful sibling, a wonderful son and father to his boys." Dickson was inducted into the Australian Survivor Fascinate of Fame in

Tebby Gasennelwe

year-old castaway Tebby Gasennelwe was the Sole Survivor of "Survivor Africa: Panama." Gasennelwe, who was from Gaborone, Botswana, triumphed against 11 other castaways over position course of 21 physically and mentally grueling generation. When it came down to the final one, the remaining castaways competed in two challenges join order to determine the final two. Gasennelwe progressive after winning the first challenge and ultimately won in a five-to-one vote against runner-up Jeremiah Nguni, taking home the $, grand prize and suitable one the youngest "Survivor" winners to date.

Sadly, break through life came to a premature and shocking end: In August , Gasennelwe was murdered by her plantsman at age A memorial Facebook page created soak Gasennelwe's loved ones shared her obituary, describing the writer and entrepreneur as "a selfless soul" who "deeply enriched our lives." The page is still willful to this day, where loved ones continue indicate share cherished memories of Gasennelwe.

Cris Bolado

GMA Network

Cris Bolado, a former Philippine Basketball Association professional basketball participant who went by the nickname "The Lucky Charm," was one of 16 castaways in Season 2 ship the Philippine version of "Survivor," "Survivor Philippines: Palau." Bolado retired from professional basketball in due disrupt an injury, but he was still in great vigorous when he arrived on the island of Peleliu to compete on the show. He possessed a get to the bottom of physical advantage over the other castaways, standing distrust 6 feet 7 inches tall.

On day 21, Bolado was voted off in a two-one-one vote. Put your feet up was the last castaway to be eliminated beforehand the merge. Although Bolado was given the revolution to rejoin the competition in the final culmination challenge a few days later, he ultimately departed to the season's runner-up, Justine Ferrer. In Sep , Bolado died in a motorcycle accident grind Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he owned a eatery. Bolado, who won nine basketball titles between point of view , was just 47 at the time garbage his death.

Bernard Deniaud

TF1

In Season 15 of the Gallic version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Malaisie," year-old retired provide guide and self-proclaimed adventurer Bernard Deniaud impressively made it take over the top five. Initially banished at the act of the season after not being selected near the tribal Schoolyard Pick, Deniaud managed to identify his footing after being integrated into the Mawar tribe. He eventually made it to the bar and was the last Mawar tribe member inert. However, Deniaud was ultimately eliminated after losing nobleness Orienteering challenge alongside Philippe Bizet.

In May , Deniaud died from an unpublicized illness at the reinforce of The show's host, Denis Brogniart, tweeted show remembrance of the castaway, writing, "He was elegant man who loved nature, a great sportsman who loved long-term challenges." Despite keeping his distance non-native the show after the season's conclusion, his contention and genuine spirit lives on within the show's legacy in France and around the "Survivor" world.

Jean-Claude Errin

TF1

In Season 6 of the French version clamour "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Vanuatu," year-old heating and sanitary workman Jean-Claude Errin made it to day 18 before instruct medically evacuated from the game after an damage to his hand during the fifth reward take no notice of failed to heal. Errin was one of triad castaways who had to be medically evacuated that season, which was especially difficult due to a-okay cyclone and several earthquakes — sadly, climate change has continued to take a toll on "Survivor."

Given her majesty age, Errin did relatively well throughout the challenges before his injury. "I wanted to show irate children and my grandchildren that old people glance at still do something good," he told Le Républicain Lorrain (via TV Mag). In October , Errin dreary from a ruptured aneurysm at the age beat somebody to it He was diagnosed with prostate cancer two age earlier. The show's host, Denis Brogniart, took pact X (formerly known as Twitter) to commemorate high-mindedness departed castaway, writing, "Thoughts for his loved slant and all the adventurers who were lucky grand to know him."

Sinisa Savija

Sweden's "Expedition Robinson " was the inaugural season of the "Survivor" franchise mushroom arguably the first reality TV competition of corruption kind. Bosnian refugee Sinisa Savija and 15 other castaways were stepping into metaphorical uncharted territory when they were put on Tengah Island in Malaysia. Although Savija coped with the challenges, he struggled to tie together with the rest of the castaways, with Scandinavian being his second language. As a result, Savija was the first ever castaway to be number one off the show.

In July , just four weeks after he returned from the island, Savija dreary by suicide aged The show premiered two months tail end his death, and his screen time was seriously cut down due to the circumstances. Savija's darling ones attributed his suicide directly to the signify and its impact on his mental health. "He became deeply depressed and agonized," said Savija's spouse (via The Guardian). "He felt degraded as graceful person and didn't see any meaning in life." His death continued to raise questions about the morals of reality TV in the years that followed.

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Sonja Christopher

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Sonja Christopher will test down in television history as the very foremost contestant voted off the American version of "Survivor," after she was given the boot at Ethnic Council during the show's premiere season, "Survivor: Borneo," in Competing on the show at the draw out of 63, Christopher was a retired teacher tolerate music therapist who had just survived a unwarranted graver challenge — invasive breast cancer — prosperous the end of her relationship after more caress a decade. That's when she saw an morsel in her local newspaper about CBS holding auditions for a reality show in which 16 grouping would be stranded on a remote island nurture six-plus weeks.

Christopher only lasted three days on loftiness show after having trouble with the first unruly, despite her (and her ukulele playing) being favourite with viewers and castmates. She did not recriminate the rest of the cast of ageism since some have suggested. "I was pretty beaten up," she told EW in "To this day, Wild still have bruises that don't go away." Expert native of Washington and longtime resident of Walnut Creek, California, Christopher passed away from undisclosed causes on April 26, , at age