The show Survivor has become a TV staple in its quarter of a century on our screens, pitting dozens of people against each other as they fight it out for a $1 million cash prize.
Fans this week had to wait just a little bit longer for Survivor's 50th season preview, after President Trump interrupted the broadcast to argue that he has lowered inflation and attack his predecessor in a 20-minute tirade.
This milestone series is set to feature Billie Eilish in some fashion and will premiere in late February of next year, with showrunners promising all new features and twists to keep the audience hooked.
But in the 25 years since Survivor first appeared on TV and quickly became one of the most-watched shows in the country, a number of the castaways that we grew to love, or hate, have tragically passed away.
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Seventeen contestants have died since appearing on the show, with the challenges of life continuing long after they have taken their shot at the $1 million prize.
Jane Bright
Jane was one of the strongest contestants on her season of Survivor: Nicaragua, where she made it to just three days from the end of the competition before her diplomatic skills saw her voted off.
She came sixth overall on the 21st season, but more importantly won the Sprint Fan Favorite award from the audience after her wacky and likeable personality won over her fellow contestants as well as the viewers.
The CBS show's host Jeff Probst said in a tribute post after her death aged 71 in May 2025: "What stood out to me about Jane is that she didn't let age be a barrier to adventure.
"She dove headfirst into Survivor with grit and heart. Jane embodied the spirit of Survivor and leaves a legacy that I hope will continue to inspire others to apply for the adventure of a lifetime."
Kim Johnson
Finalist Kim Johnson came second in 2002's Survivor: Africa, which saw the then 57-year-old use a mixture of tactics and surprising physical prowess to make it to the last two.
Making her mark on the show, she became the oldest woman to make it to the final tribal council and the oldest person to win a final immunity challenge - which allowed her to edge out the competition.
The winner of her season, Ethan Zohn, shared his heartbreak at Kim's death last year at the age of 79 in an Instagram tribute, which reads: "Rest in peace Kim Johnson.
"It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you."
Johnson died following a cancer diagnosis.
Sonja Christopher
The first-ever contestant to get voted off Survivor was Sonja Christopher, who sadly died aged 87 in April 2024, almost a quarter of a century after appearing on the smash-hit show.
Sonja's faltering performance in an early challenge saw her teammates give her the boot, but she still made a lasting impact on the show's host.
Probst said in a tribute: "Sonja was one of the kindest people to ever play Survivor.
"Every interaction I had with her over the years was lovely. She would always greet you with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. I’m honored that our paths got to cross."
Keith Nale
Keith Nale took part in both Survivor: San Juan del Sur and Survivor: Cambodia, at first being, mistakenly, seen as a misfit on his team due to his easygoing nature.
Despite this, he made it all the way to the final four on San Juan del Sur thanks to a surprising knack for immunity challenges and positioning himself strategically when votes were being cast.
He died aged 62 on April 23, 2023.
A tribute from the team behind the CBS series reads: "On behalf of the entire Survivor crew, we send our deepest condolences to the Nale family. Keith was a one-of-a-kind human.
"Completely unique in every way. He brought endless joy and laughter to Survivor fans and to those of us who made the show with him. He was adored by so many and will be greatly missed."
Nale's family revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer in the months prior to his death.
Roger Sexton
Roger Sexton butted heads with a lot of his contestants during his series, Survivor: The Amazon, where he backed his all-male team to win.
But his views would eventually see him voted off after a campaign to oust him from the female contestants, who thought he'd never let a woman win.
He died on October 26, 2022, aged 76, after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
His family said in a tribute: "Confidence, discipline, and determination to succeed were all vital components to Roger's character, which assisted him in being cast on Survivor."
Dan Lembo
Coming fifth in Survivor: Nicaragua, Dan Lembo was one of those contestants who made it through the early rounds through strength of personality alone.
Despite suffering mobility problems after having to undergo knee surgery before the competition, Dan's winning personality saw him make it all the way to the final five before getting the boot.
He died at his home in Manhattan, aged 75, in September 2022.
His obituary reads: "Daniel was a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends."
Lembo died six years after being diagnosed with an incurable brain disease called called progressive supranuclear palsy, which affected his speech, memory and motor skills, his daughter-in-law told TMZ at the time.
Clay Jordan
Clayton Brooks 'Clay' Jordan III did not have the easiest time on Survivor: Thailand, largely making his own way on the show after becoming unpopular with teammates.
Despite this setback, Clay was able to make it all the way to the final, finishing second overall. He passed away in May 2022 after a short illness, aged 66.
His obituary reads: "He had a heart of gold and a sense of humor that would put a smile on anyone’s face. He loved to scare people and would laugh so hard after doing so.
"He loved gardening and loved his chicken fried steak. What he loved more than anything was his family and he absolutely loved to help people and be of service.
"He was runner up on Survivor Thailand in 2002 and met many people through his journey of being 'Clay from Survivor'."
Ralph Kiser
Ralph Kiser was a contestant on Survivor: Redemption Island, where he gained notoriety for always spelling people's names wrong when at the tribal council.
The farmer ultimately came ninth after failing to make it through the merger. He sadly died aged 56 in April 2022, after suffering a heart attack.
Host Probst said in a tribute to Ralph: "His huge smile, his positive attitude and of course his infectious rooster crow made him one of the most likable to ever play Survivor."
Sunday Burquest
Competing on Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X in 2016, Sunday Burquest was a well-liked member of her team who was ultimately voted out on day 35 after being outmanoeuvred by her competitors.
The youth pastor was tragically diagnosed with ovarian and oesophageal cancer in 2020, dying just a year later at the age of 50.
Probst said in his tribute: "Sunday Burquest had one of the brightest smiles of any person to ever play Survivor. She radiated kindness and understanding to anyone lucky enough to be in her presence.
"She seemed to understand better than most, that life is for living, so say yes to life whenever possible."
Angie Jakusz
Survivor: Palau (2004) contestant Angie Jakusz never really got a fair shake at the title, after being picked onto a team that lost almost every challenge. She left on day 12 after a messy tribal council.
She was sadly diagnosed with squamous cell colorectal cancer in 2017, ultimately dying in 2021 at the age of 40.
Teammate Coby Archa told People: "She wasn't into the fame, just the experience of Survivor. She came, she played, and she went back to her life in New Orleans. She liked her life that way."
Cliff Robinson
Survivor: Cagayan contestant and NBA All-Star Cliff Robinson was well-liked on the show, but quickly emerged as a threat to his fellow competitors and was kicked out by day 14.
After taking part in the show, Robinson continued to do crazy things. In 2014 he joined fellow former player Dennis Rodman in travelling to North Korea for Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's 30th birthday.
Probst said in his tribute: "To have Cliff Robinson, an NBA All-Star, play Survivor was a personal highlight for me. And he was one of the classiest people to ever play the game. He treated the other cast members and the entire crew with grace and respect."
He died in 2020 from lymphoma, aged 53.
Rudy Boesch
Rudolph 'Rudy' Ernst Boesch appeared on both Survivor: Borneo and Survivor: All-Stars, where he shattered all expectations after forming a very close friendship with openly gay contestant Richard Hatch, despite holding conservative views.
Hatch said after his friend's death: "Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces [sic]. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!”
He died in 2019 at the grand old age of 91, after an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Ashley Massaro
Professional wrestler Ashley Massaro took part in Survivor: China but did not make it very far after becoming ill shortly after arriving.
The WWE performer came 15th on her season and returned to wrestling for another year, ultimately ending her career in 2008. In 2019, Massaro was found dead at her home after an apparent suicide. She was 39.
Campmate Peih-Gee Law remembered after her death: "Even though she got sick early on in the game, she still competed with all her heart in the challenges. She brought a really fun energy to camp life.”
Dan Kay
Attorney Dan Kay competed on Survivor: Gabon and ended in 11th place, after making it through three weeks of the competition.
He died unexpectedly at his home at the age of 40 on December 31, 2016.
His obituary reads: "Dan had a smile that could light up a room. His desire to be challenged and his quest for adventure lead to his participation on the reality show, Survivor."
Caleb Bankston
Caleb Bankston took part in Survivor: Blood vs Water, playing against fiancé Colton Cumbie and making it to ninth place.
The competitor sadly died aged just 26 after being involved in a railway accident in 2014, just six months after he appeared on the show.
Host Probst said in a tribute after Bankston's tragic death: "[Caleb] was one of the most humble and likable contestants we have ever had the pleasure of working with on the show. A true gentleman. He will be missed by so many."
Cumbie said: "Caleb was my everything. We were the couple that my family would get so mad [at] when we played dominoes because we cheated."
B. B. Anderson
Bill Byron, who went by B. B. Anderson, was the second-ever person to be voted off Survivor after rubbing his fellow castaways the wrong way - and telling them he didn't mind being voted off.
Probst said after his death from brain cancer aged 77 in 2013: "He was a powerful presence on the show and that zest for epic adventure was at the heart of everything he did."
Joel Klug, fellow castaway, said: "He was the man. He enjoyed life. He knew good scotch from bad scotch. He was a mover and shaker type of guy.
"And he was tough: We were on the equator and it was like 100 degrees. He worked hard to build a shelter. He was an impressive guy, and an influence on me.”
Jennifer Lyon
Survivor: Palau contestant Jennifer Lyon was a force of personality on the show, remaining upbeat even when the challenges stacked up against her.
Known as Jenn on the show, viewers cheered on her budding on-screen romance with a fellow castaway. She sadly passed away after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010 at the age of 37.
"If I learned anything from Jenn it is this: Don't be afraid to ask someone how they are truly feeling about dying," Probst said. "Don't shy away from the scary parts of death. They need someone to talk to about what is going on inside their head."
Topics: Film and TV, Entertainment
William Morgan