DrWebAll 17 ‘Survivor’ Contestants Who Have Died Since Competing on the CBS Show – People
Kim Johnson. Credit: CBSRemembering the 17 Survivor Contestants Who Have Died Since Competing on the Show
Seventeen former contestants have died since appearing on the CBS show, which premiered in May 2000, By Brendan Le
By Brendan Le, Brendan Le is a Writer-Reporter at PEOPLE with four years of experience working as an editor and writer.
Published on December 17, 2025 07:00PM EST
Rudy Boesch, Cliff Robinson and Jane Bright. Credit : Monty Brinton/CBS Photo Archive via Getty (3)The Survivor community has mourned the loss of 17 alumni over the years.
The CBS series, which premiered in May 2000, has seen 751 participants throughout its 49 seasons, and it has cultivated a close-knit community among viewers and contestants — which makes every loss hit closer to home.
Seventeen former players have died since competing on the show, with tributes pouring in from their fans, loved ones and fellow alumni. Ahead, look back at their lives and time on the reality competition show.
Jane Bright
Jane Bright. Monty Brinton / CBS via GettySurvivor: Nicaragua contestant Jane Bright, who placed sixth in the 21st season and won the Spirit Fan Favorite audience prize, died at age 71 in her North Carolina home. Her daughter, Ashley Hammett, announced her mother’s death in a Facebook post on May 15, 2025.
“What stood out to me about Jane is that she didn’t let age be a barrier to adventure,” wrote host Jeff Probst in his tribute on the show’s official Instagram. “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
Kim Johnson. Credit: CBSSurvivor: Africa runner-up Kim Johnson died at age 79, her daughter Kerry Johnson Tichi shared in a statement to PEOPLE on July 29, 2024.
“Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity. She wore her rose colorized glasses right up until the end,” Johnson Tichi said. “She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever…”
Her castmate, winner Ethan Zohn, wrote in an emotional Instagram post: “It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you.”
Probst called Johnson a “pioneer” in his tribute to her.
He added, “I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other ‘older’ people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself.”
Editor’s Note: Read the rest of the story, at the below link.
Continue/Read Original Article Here: All 17 ‘Survivor’ Contestants Who Have Died Since Competing on the CBS Show
#17Contestants #Competitors #Contestants #Deaths #JeffProbst #Memories #PEOPLE #PeopleMagazine #Survivor #Winners