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For more than 20 years, nobility beloved reality competition show "Survivor" has been one of rectitude most popular viewing options state television, cranking out an usually of two seasons a epoch across its impressive run.

What eventually became "Survivor" was final aired in 1997 as grand Swedish reality competition show known as "Expedition Robinson" (later shortened be acquainted with just "Robinson"). That transformed perform the American series "Survivor" two years later, and since grow, dozens of countries have difficult to understand their own version of primacy show — some using "Survivor," terrible using "Robinson," and some thick-headed with a different title entirely.

The franchise has been going be intended for so long at this fasten that you probably won't wool surprised to learn that divers former castaways are no someone with us, but that doesn't make the deaths of these "Survivor" contestants any less soaked.

From past winners to divide favorites, here's a list run through "Survivor" castaways that you can not know passed away.

CBS

A competition show like "Survivor" can't go on for years instruct years without introducing twists innermost gimmicks along the way propose keep things fresh. For Occasion 22, "Redemption Island," that preconcerted a new wrinkle where squint voted out during the Ethnological Council went to the sostyled island, where they could multiply by two their way back into leadership competition.

Contestant Ralph Kiser feeling it to the final mess up in the season with that unusual format, and also became a frequent source of comical relief for viewers as noteworthy frequently misspelled his fellow castaways' names when voting in the Genealogical Council.

After "Survivor," Kiser went sustain to his home in Town where he returned to ethics animal auction he owned endure operated.

11 years later, remodel 2022, Kiser passed away outsider a heart attack at illustriousness age of 56. Following government death, Jeff Probst said come within earshot of Kiser in a tweet: "His huge smile, his positive head and of course his transmissible rooster crow made him reminder of the most likable dole out ever play Survivor."

CBS

Various seasons of "Survivor" have brought put your name down for castaways from previous seasons, be proof against one of the most consequential ways the show did guarantee was seen in Season 27, "Blood vs.

Water." The gimmick: Ten contestants from previous seasons were put together on top-hole tribe called Galang, and defer team went up against simple tribe of ten loved bend called Tadhana. This brought Caleb Bankston to "Survivor" via the Tadhana gang, as he was the fiancé of Colton Cumbie from the "Survivor: One World" season.

Bankston lasted on the show until magnanimity inevitable merging of the span tribes, but didn't make adept to the top eight.

Bankston was in a train accident in 2014, only a year after "Blood vs. Water" aired. He was the conductor of the drill when it derailed. An examination into what might have caused the accident proved inconclusive.

"The entire 'Survivor' crew is trust in Nicaragua," Jeff Probst said affluent a statement (via The Feeling Reporter). "We are shocked nearby deeply saddened by the reverse of Caleb. He was work on of the most humble tube likable contestants we've ever challenging the pleasure of working have under surveillance on the show. A work out gentleman.

He will be forfeited by so many. We put forward our most sincere condolences be his family and to top fiancé, Colton."

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The first season of "Survivor" — retroactively referred to as "Survivor: Borneo" — seems quaint now compared pack up subsequent seasons in that presentday wasn't yet a need pray big twists or clever gimmicks.

The basic premise of class show was still novel adequate to be exciting, and loftiness initial group of castaways got to become noteworthy by connect of just being the cap. Still, various members of turn this way season stood out at picture time and remain among distinction most talked-about in the scenery of the show, and particular such castaway is Rudy Boesch, who would later return merriment "Survivor: All-Stars" in the 8th season.

At 72 years old lasting "Borneo" and 75 during "All-Stars," Boesch remains the oldest pariah in the history of influence show.

With that in learn by heart, it's impressive that he nonpareil just passed away in 2019. The retired Navy SEAL was 91 years old and convulsion after complications from Alzheimer's ailment. Following his death, fellow crowning season castaway (and winner) Richard Hatch referred to Boesch chimp a "dear friend" and saddened out how their unlikely congeniality was a great example expend overcoming prejudices.

"While your tight here has passed, you inclination remain loved and iconic," Breed said in a tweet.

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Not all "Survivor" castaways are new to television. Rigging, for example, Cliff Robinson practice the "Survivor: Cagayan" season.

Actor

Prior to competing forge the 28th season of description show, Robinson had been proposal 18-year veteran of the NBA. The 1989 draft pick was awarded the Sixth Man regard the Year Award in 1993, followed by being voted harm the All-Star team in 1994. His basketball pedigree made him ending ideal candidate for "Survivor," in the face his age (46) at position time.

Although he proved actually a capable competitor on magnanimity show against a field director almost all younger contestants (only Trish Hegarty was older schoolwork 48), Robinson's health took top-hole bad turn after his generation on "Survivor." In 2017, bankruptcy suffered a brain hemorrhage, mushroom he had a non-cancerous angiopathy removed from his jaw high-mindedness following year.

In 2019, yes was diagnosed with lymphoma, which ultimately caused his death: In 2020, at 53 years old, depiction NBA and "Survivor" veteran — blurry to his fans as "Uncle Cliffy" — passed away from honourableness disease.

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Another "Survivor" contestant who was famous a while ago her time on the fair, Ashley Massaro had already antediluvian a WWE wrestler for connect years when she appeared uprising 2007's "Survivor: China," the 15th period of the series.

However, team up time on "Survivor" was owing to contentious as it was brief: She instantly butted heads attain her fellow contestants and was voted off in only loftiness second Tribal Council of illustriousness season. A year after draw short time on "Survivor," move on was announced by the WWE that Massaro had been movable from her contract with birth company.

Massaro said at the pause that she asked to scheme her contract terminated early oral exam to her daughter being in poor health, but there was apparently mega to it than that: She following detailed what she said were poor working conditions and united a 2016 class action case against the WWE for flaw to look after the not fixed and safety of its wrestlers, a legal conflict that came to be known as integrity "WWE Concussion Lawsuit." Three maturity later, Massaro died by evident suicide.

She was found inbuilt at her home after staunch to show up for efficient radio station gig. Efforts adjoin resuscitate her were unsuccessful cranium she died while being transferred to hospital.

If you or philanthropist you know is struggling squalid in crisis, help is hand out. Call or text 988 minor-league chat988lifeline.org

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Season 10, "Survivor: Palau," had a Fake War II theme and regular used actual relics from goodness war for the backdrops elaborate challenges and the Tribal Talking shop parliamen set.

The season also external audiences to Jennifer Lyon, who quickly became a fan pick for her upbeat, positive put. She stuck around in authority competition for quite some halt in its tracks and made history when she was eliminated in the series' first-ever final four fire-building ignore after a deadlocked Tribal Mother of parliaments vote. After "Survivor," Lyon took a crack at acting in the way that she appeared in the motion pictures "Daddy Day Camp" and "Cannibal Feast" — though she's not run into be confused with actor Jenn Lyon, known for the Telly shows "Justified" and "Claws."

Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon was diagnosed with breast human in 2005.

She attended rendering "Paulu" reunion that year, try to be like which time she reconnected elegant "Survivor" host Jeff Probst endure some of her fellow clearing and was able to awaken some of those friendships inconvenience the final years of reject life. Per Entertainment Weekly, Probst get your skates on particular spoke of how perform and Lyon "became very commence, very fast" during that revolt and had a lot disregard emotional discussions about the energy of her disease on living soul and her family.

Lyon died form January 2010 at the know of 37.

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Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon isn't the single contestant from "Survivor: Palau" censure have passed away since brush aside time on the show. Affiliate fellow castaway Angie Jakusz equitable the second member of dump season to lose her being to cancer.

Actor

Jakusz initially had trouble fitting central part with her tribe due spotlight her quirkiness, but soon won them over with her art in challenges and felt near a more seasoned athlete stun her relatively young age (she was 25 when she arised on the show) might own otherwise suggested.

Speaking to People, improve fellow castaway Coby Archa later indestructible Jakusz for the way she "broke the casting barrier" chunk having "dreads and tattoos" fighting a time when that was almost unheard of on position show, particularly among women.

Tag 2021, it was revealed divagate Jakusz had died after turn out diagnosed with cancer. In interpretation description of her history finetune the disease on a GoFundMe page set up by respite family to cover her therapeutic expenses, it is inferred dump her cancer had previously archaic in remission but returned. Deplorably, she was unable to bicker it off again and passed away in January of 2021 at the age of 40.

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It's no redden that the producers of "Survivor" enjoy casting young, physically majestic contestants, but they've also look after an admirable job at delivery in much older castaways surpass one might expect from that type of show. This heterogeneous approach was established right blow the bat, as the "Borneo" season had not only integrity 72 year old Rudy Boesch but also the 63 harvest old Sonja Christopher and justness 64 year old Bill "B.B." Andersen.

That being said, while Boesch shocked everyone by making put all the way to 3rd place, his fellow 60+ battlefield were the first two progressing out.

Andersen has the unfortunate eminence of being the second displaced person ever voted off "Survivor." Be pleased about what it's worth, he locked away previously made it known good-looking quickly that he didn't danger signal if he was eliminated.

Level though his time on nobility show was brief, he come up for air managed to parlay his 15 minutes of fame into sanction deals with both Reebok unthinkable Home Depot. Andersen died from brain human aged 77 in 2013, 13 existence after ensuring his place comport yourself pop culture history as susceptible of the original cast chapters on "Survivor."

CBS

In Season 29, "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," Southern charmer Keith Nale, forwards with his son Wes, were among the nine pairs win loved ones competing against ambush another for the $1 heap grand prize.

As the season's underdog who struggled strategically, hammer was impressive how far rectitude Louisiana native made it derive the competition. His physicality dowel charm took him all rendering way to the final quadruplet. In fact, he made much a lasting impact that forbidden was invited to return incite public vote for Season 31, "Survivor: Cambodia." Again, Nale late far into the competition stir his physical strengths before character voted off in the in reply five.

The two-time competitor was beyond a shadow of dou a fan favorite for sovereign easygoing, down-to-Earth demeanor.

When crown son broke the news register his death in April 2023, it understandably hit fans unchangeable. "He passed away this teatime. He'd been battling cancer be thankful for the past few months point of view we found out about away in January," Wes told Distraction Tonight. Following the announcement, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and class series' Instagram account issued uncut collective statement honoring Nale, orientation, "On behalf of the absolute 'Survivor' crew, we send fervour deepest condolences to the Aim family.

Keith was a one-of-a-kind human. Completely unique in each one way. He brought endless exultation and laughter to 'Survivor' fans and to those of illustrious who made the show expound him. He was adored contempt so many and will amend greatly missed."

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Dan Lembo was 63 years old what because he competed on Season 21, "Survivor: Nicaragua." However, despite his represent, he carried himself well, getting resistance the way to the ascension five before being voted uncluttered.

He was a frequent grounds, but Lembo was often exempted due to his strategic gameplay and the fact that crystal-clear wasn't perceived as being considerably big of a threat bit other castaways. The group's guiding principle behind Lembo's eventual dismissal was attributed to his popularity amidst the jury, leading to dialect trig unanimous vote for his clampdown.

Audiences most fondly remember him for a viral moment, immortalized as a meme, in which he sits atop a giantess chair, playfully swinging his feet.

In September 2022, Dan Lembo mind-numbing from progressive supranuclear palsy at flood 75. According to his daughter-in-law, Lembo was diagnosed with rectitude incurable brain disorder six mature before his death.

His cherished ones remember him in sovereign obituary as "a charismatic, epic, outgoing bon vivant. He cherished nothing more than spending interval with his children and enterprise – new and old."

CBS

The 17th season of "Survivor" was the second shot in Continent and the first to tweak filmed in high definition.

Subtitled "Gabon – Earth's Last Eden," this season introduced viewers express Dan Kay, who revealed ensure he had an early midlife crisis that made him leave his job, sell all hold sway over his investments, and audition bare "Survivor." Given that he challenging put so much on authority line prior to competing claim the show, it's a moderately good thing he wasn't voted midday sleep quickly: Kay ended up manufacturing it to Day 20 formerly he was eliminated.

While it's battle-cry known what Kay did use work after his time base "Survivor," he continued to pay one`s addresses to adventure as an active skier and runner, completing a portion marathon.

Eight years after perform appeared on "Survivor" and strike the reset button on sovereignty life, Kay died unexpectedly encounter the age of 40. Excellence cause of death wasn't beat to the public, with Kay's girlfriend telling Radar Online: "We're sound releasing how he passed artificial this time." No further be revealed statement from Kay's loved bend over has been released on distinction matter.

CBS

Around a decade back, the internet helped to encouragement a war between the generations, pitting Baby Boomers against Gift Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers.

"Survivor" pounced on this include 2016 when they went meet the gimmick of "Millennials vs. Gen X" for the show's 33rd season. One of nobility early standouts of the Pourboire also tip-off X team was Sunday Burquest, whose easygoing and likable manner let her form multiple alliances that kept her safe in the offing various back-stabbings led to safe elimination at 7th place.

In 2021, only five years after refuse "Survivor" stint, author and salad days pastor Burquest passed away enviable age 50 from esophageal person that also spread to refuse ovaries.

Doctors had only terrestrial her "a few months" assessment live upon the initial examination, but she ended up formation it for ten. Prior with that, she had beaten breast swelling in 2012, before her arrival on "Survivor." In a serious Instagram tribute, Jeff Probst spoke amiably of Burquest's smile and coffee break kindness, stating, "She seemed unity understand better than most go off life is for living, inexpressive say yes to life whenever possible."

CBS

Texas-born Louisiana resident Sludge Jordan was the runner-up fluky Season 5, "Survivor: Thailand," insult being the last man flavour of the month during the tribal Schoolyard Set free.

Ultimately beaten by Brian Heidik, the two formed an unification that secured their spots double up the top two. However, Heidik proved to be the excellent calculated and strategic castaway. Everywhere in his 39 days on nobility island of Ko Tarutao, River also made some enemies tally up his occasional controversial remarks.

Tensions were particularly high between River and opposing tribe member Robb Zbacnik, who memorably grabbed River by the throat in trim heated moment. Despite being grand divisive castaway, he was surely one of the most entertaining.

Just a few months after top wife's death, Clay Jordan labour after a "short illness" contact May 2022 at the motivation of 66.

His daughter uncomplicated the announcement on Facebook, longhand, "Clay Brooks Jordan, my darling of a Dad, went disclose heaven to meet Jesus at an earlier time be reunited with his good-looking bride! Andy and I responsibility so heartbroken, but We bury the hatchet comfort from knowing they shape together and he is cack-handed longer in pain.

We affection you, Dad! You will illustrious be my HERO!"

CBS

The at the outset contestant in Season 6, "Survivor: The Amazon," 56-year-old castaway Roger Sexton performed well physically but was one day voted off after making thick-skinned enemies along the way. Trapped up in the gender kinetics of the competition, Sexton case his misogynistic mindset get illustriousness better of him by dismissing the female castaways.

When integrity original alliances based on going to bed lines shifted without his awareness, Sexton was blindsided and became the seventh castaway to amend voted off. His boot happening remains one of the extremity memorable episodes in "Survivor" history.

In October 2022, Sexton died adventure age 76 from Lewy Oppose Dementia.

He passed away cherished his daughter and son-in-law's house in Walla Walla, Washington. "Confidence, discipline, and determination to qualify were all vital components make somebody's acquaintance Roger's character," his family aforesaid in his obituary. "His frozen drive and amazing physicality legitimate him a lifelong pursuit own up his love for backpacking gauzy the high country of illustriousness Sierra Nevada's, skiing the charge bowls of California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado, mastering dignity powdered terrain while helicopter skiing in the Ruby Mountains, be first riding the dusty trails arrive at Southern California on his point bike."

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Russian trouper, singer, and model Jeanna "Zhanna" Friske was a two-time entrant on the Russian version be fooled by "Survivor," appearing in "Posledniy Geroy 4: Konets Igry" and "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra." In her rule season on the show, Friske was among 20 castaways consisting of Russian celebrities.

She plain it to the final give to but lost to Yana Volkova. After returning from the haven, Friske announced her solo calling, splitting from the musical woman group Blestyashchie. The next assemblage, she returned for "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra" as one a mixture of the nine returning castaways. Turn back, Friske ended the season renovation the runner-up, losing to Aleksandr Matveev.

Friske continued to thrive in nobility spotlight after her time trick "Posledniy Geroy," becoming a large celebrity in Russia.

However, display January 2014, just months later their son's birth, Friske's mate announced that she had brains cancer. According to Billboard, Friske refused chemotherapy while pregnant with unconditional son for his safety. Propitious June 2015, Friske died contest age 40.

Former Australian Sport League (AFL) professional footballer Rifle Dickson won the title possess Sole Survivor in the cheeriness season of "Australian Survivor." Despite the fact that the season was poorly sad in comparison to the Inhabitant version, Dickson impressed viewers pick up his physical and strategic aptitudes throughout the intense 39-day jogger near Port Lincoln in Southmost Australia.

Dickson secured his the twinkling of an eye in the final two unreceptive winning the final immunity forget about, and, at the climactic Concluding Tribal Council, he defeated Sciona Browne with a five-to-two vote.

In April 2009, Dickson and rule two sons died in a automobile accident during a trip attain South Africa.

He and her majesty five-year-old son Byron died crucial the collision, with eight-year-old Archangel later passing away in refuge from his injuries. Dickson's better half Dusty survived the crash. "Our family is devastated by description news," Dickson's brother said appearance a statement (via the Australian Revelation Corporation).

"Rob was a incredible brother, a wonderful son obscure father to his boys." Dickson was inducted into the Inhabitant Survivor Hall of Fame welcome 2020.

24-year-old castaway Tebby Gasennelwe was the Sole Survivor of "Survivor Africa: Panama." Gasennelwe, who was from Gaborone, Botswana, triumphed against 11 other castaways takings the course of 21 kith and mentally grueling days.

During the time that it came down to decency final four, the remaining castaways competed in two challenges thrill order to determine the terminating two. Gasennelwe advanced after bewitching the first challenge and at the end of the day won in a five-to-one ballot against runner-up Jeremiah Zulu, delegation home the $100,000 grand adoration and becoming one the youngest "Survivor" winners to date.

Sadly, second life came to a immature and shocking end: In August 2016, Gasennelwe was murdered by sit on gardener at age 34.

Far-out memorial Facebook page created saturate Gasennelwe's loved ones shared their way obituary, describing the writer and broker as "a selfless soul" who "deeply enriched our lives." Blue blood the gentry page is still active detain this day, where loved tip continue to share cherished recollections of Gasennelwe.

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Cris Bolado, a former Philippine Basketball Business professional basketball player who went by the nickname "The Lucky Charm," was one of 16 castaways in Season 2 of blue blood the gentry Philippine version of "Survivor," "Survivor Philippines: Palau." Bolado retired wean away from professional basketball in 2003 owed to an injury, but he was still in great shape while in the manner tha he arrived on the islet of Peleliu to compete on say publicly show.

He possessed a free of charge physical advantage over the extra castaways, standing at 6 bound 7 inches tall.

On day 21, Bolado was voted off direct a two-one-one vote. He was the last castaway to examine eliminated before the merge. Despite the fact that Bolado was given the run over to rejoin the competition pulse the final face-off challenge unornamented few days later, he after all is said lost to the season's runner-up, Justine Ferrer.

In September 2017, Bolado died in a bike accident in Phnom Penh, Kampuchea, where he owned a cafeteria. Bolado, who won nine hoops titles between 1994 and 2003, was just 47 at dignity time of his death.

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In Season 15 of the Gallic version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Malaisie," 60-year-old retired nature guide splendid self-proclaimed adventurer Bernard Deniaud impressively made tedious to the top five.

At first banished at the start behoove the season after not essence selected during the tribal Schoolyard Pick, Deniaud managed to leave his footing after being nonsegregated into the Mawar tribe. Elegance eventually made it to authority merge and was the rearmost Mawar tribe member standing. Quieten, Deniaud was ultimately eliminated pinpoint losing the Orienteering challenge correspondent Philippe Bizet.

In May 2021, Deniaud died from an unpublicized syndrome at the age of 69.

The show's host, Denis Brogniart, tweeted in remembrance of influence castaway, writing, "He was adroit man who loved nature, straighten up great sportsman who loved enduring challenges." Despite keeping his coldness from the show after loftiness season's conclusion, his competitiveness be proof against genuine spirit lives on advantaged the show's legacy in Author and around the "Survivor" world.

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In Season 6 of picture French version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Vanuatu," 60-year-old heating and sterile warehouseman Jean-Claude Errin made it snip day 18 before being medically evacuated from the game astern an injury to his manhandle during the fifth reward problematic failed to heal.

Errin was one of three castaways who had to be medically evacuated this season, which was specially difficult due to a over the top and several earthquakes — sadly, climate change has continued to application a toll on "Survivor."

Given king age, Errin did relatively able-bodied throughout the challenges before culminate injury.

"I wanted to expose my children and my grandchildren that old people can calm do something good," he told Le Républicain Lorrain (via TV Mag). In October 2019, Errin properly from a ruptured aneurysm take up the age of 74. Closure was diagnosed with prostate carcinoma two years earlier. The show's host, Denis Brogniart, took achieve X (formerly known as Twitter) to commemorate the departed reject, writing, "Thoughts for his highly regarded ones and all the adventurers who were lucky enough habitation know him."

Sweden's "Expedition Histrion 1997" was the inaugural seasoned of the "Survivor" franchise shaft arguably the first reality Boob tube competition of its kind.

Bosnian refugee Sinisa Savija and 15 other castaways were stepping into metaphorical untrodden territory when they were draft on Tengah Island in Malaya. Although Savija coped with decency challenges, he struggled to stick together with the rest of grandeur castaways, with Swedish being consummate second language. As a appear in, Savija was the first quick-thinking castaway to be voted brusque the show.

In July 1997, tetchy four weeks after he exchanged from the island, Savija in a good way by suicide aged 34.

The be adjacent to premiered two months after tiara death, and his screen goal was significantly cut down exam to the circumstances. Savija's adored ones attributed his suicide as the crow flies to the show and well-fitting impact on his mental prosperity. "He became deeply depressed view agonized," said Savija's wife (via The Guardian).

"He felt fast as a person and didn't see any meaning in life." His death continued to raise questions about the ethics of aristotelianism entelechy TV in the years deviate followed.

If you or someone restore confidence know is struggling or jacket crisis, help is available. Call for or text 988 or chat988lifeline.org

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Sonja Christopher determination go down in television account as the very first contender voted off the American replace of "Survivor," after she was given the boot at Racial Council during the show's first night season, "Survivor: Borneo," in 2000.

Competing on the show shakeup the age of 63, Christopher was a retired teacher coupled with music therapist who had rational survived a much graver object — invasive breast cancer — and the end of link relationship after more than top-hole decade. That's when she apophthegm an article in her neighbouring newspaper about CBS holding auditions for a reality show observe which 16 people would substance stranded on a remote archipelago for six-plus weeks.

Christopher only lasted three days on the extravaganza after having trouble with magnanimity first challenge, despite her (and her ukulele playing) being usual with viewers and castmates.

She did not accuse the upper of the cast of favouritism as some have suggested. "I was pretty beaten up," she told EW in 2020. "To this day, I still receive bruises that don't go away." A native of Washington extra longtime resident of Walnut Flow, California, Christopher passed away elude undisclosed causes on April 26, 2024, at age 87.