🕊️ Remembering the ‘Survivor’ Star We Lost in 2025 — And Honoring the Legends We’ve Said Goodbye to Over the Years

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As 2025 comes to a close, “Survivor” fans are left with plenty to celebrate, anticipate and remember.

From the victories of castaways like Kyle Fraser and Savannah Louie, to hype surrounding the upcoming premier of “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans,” the last 12 months have been epic in every sense of the word for longtime fans of the hit reality competition series.

That being said, this is also a time to remember and pay tribute to the memory of the show’s former contestants who have passed on this year, and in years past, whose impact continues to shape the legacy of “Survivor.”

Here’s a closer in memoriam look at the “Survivor” star we lost this year, and more who’ve passed on in years past, to pay tribute as the series prepares to launch its milestone 50th season.

Jane Hammett Bright (‘Survivor: Nicaragua’)

Remembered for her resilience, authenticity and lasting impact on the game of “Survivor,” this fan favorite player appeared on the cast of the show’s 21st season before eliminated in sixth place after her competitors recognized her as a major threat to win the competition.

The former dog trainer’s daughter, Ashley Hammet, shared news of her 71-year-old mother’s passing on Facebook in May 2025, though her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the months since.

While she may not have won the title of “Sole Survivor” on her singular appearance on the series, she is remembered as a “force of nature” with “a heart bigger than the world.”

In a tribute posting following her passing, “Survivor” host Jeff Probst honored her legacy, writing, “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 (‘Survivor: Africa’)

On the cast of “Survivor”s third season, Kim Johnson made history as the series’ oldest female finalists – a title that she still holds to this day.

Castaway Ethan Zohn, who eventually won the 2002 season, was the first to share the news of Kim’s passing following a lengthy battle with cancer in July 2024.

“Rest in peace Kim Johnson,” Zohn wrote in a tribute posted to Instagram. “It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!”

Johnson was 79 years old at the time of her passing, and is survived by her three children, Wendy, Kerry and Teddy, who told Entertainment Weekly, “Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity. She wore her rose-colored glasses right up until the end. She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever.”

Sonja Christopher (‘Survivor: Borneo’)

One of the original castaways, Sonja Christopher will always be remembered as the first-ever “Survivor” player to have their torch snuffed by Jeff Probst at Tribal Council, and as the series’ first-ever lesbian contestant.

Despite her early exit from the season, the ukulele-playing castaway remembered her “Survivor” experience fondly, telling Entertainment Weekly in a 2020 interview that the show gave her hope after undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

“I had moved to a senior retirement community, and I was by myself, no ties, my son was grown and taking care of himself. I was reading the morning paper and saw something in an article about CBS looking for 16 Americans to cast away on a deserted island and see who could survive for 39 days,” she said.

Sonja’s passing was first reported online in April 2024, and was quickly followed by a tribute from Probst, who wrote, “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.”

Christopher was 87 at the time of her passing, though her cause of death remains publicly undisclosed.

Keith Nale (‘Survivor: San Juan del Sur’ & ‘Survivor: Cambodia’)

This “Survivor” fan-favorite, who originally competed alongside his son, Wes, on 2014’s “Blood vs. Water” season before the show’s fans voted for him to return for a second shot at the title of “Sole Survivor” the following year, passed away in April 2023 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Remembered for his affable nature, Southern charm, and surprising prowess in challenges, Probst remembered his legacy in a tribute posted to the official “Survivor” Instagram page.

“On behalf of the entire Survivor crew, we send our deepest condolences to the Nale family,” he wrote. “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.”

Keith was 62 years old at the time of his passing.

Roger Sexton (‘Survivor: The Amazon’)

In 2002, Roger Sexton, then 56, joined the cast of “Survivor: The Amazon” as a veteran service member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

While Sexton wasn’t entirely well-received by his fellow castaways on the season, leading to his pre-Jury elimination, he was described as “confident, disciplined and determined” in his October 2022 obituary. Roger’s passing at 76 years old followed a “valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia”

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of a member of our ‘Survivor’ family, Roger Sexton,” read a tribute on “Survivor”s official Instagram page. “Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.”

Dan Lembo (‘Survivor: Nicaragua’)

After making it to the final five of “Survivor: Nicaragua,” former castaway Dan Lembo returned to his home town of Manhattan, New York to continue working as a real estate executive until his eventual passing in September 2022.

“Daniel was a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant,” read Lembo’s obituary. “He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old.”

Dan was 75 years old at the time of his passing, but is survived by his former spouse Barbara, his sons Matthew and Michael, their wives Emily and Dana, as well as five grandchildren.

Clay Jordan (‘Survivor: Thailand’)

Clay Jordan was 46 when he competed on the fifth season of “Survivor” in 2002, where he finished as a runner-up to the season’s eventual winner Brian Heidik.

Nearly 20 years later, Jordan’s daughter, Shanda, shared the news of her father’s passing on Facebook in May 2022, telling family, friends and fans, “Clay Brooks Jordan, my sweetheart of a Dad, went to heaven to meet Jesus and be reunited with his beautiful bride!”

At the time of his passing, which followed a short battle with illnesses reportedly related to COVID-19, Clay was 66 years old. Prior to his death, Jordan worked as a restaurant owner in Monroe, Louisiana.

In addition to his daughter, Shanda, Jordan is similarly survived by his son, Andrew, as well as several grandchildren.

Ralph Kiser (‘Survivor: Redemption Island’)

When he was cast on the 22nd season of “Survivor,” former castaway Ralph Kiser explained to CBS that he wanted to win the series to become a “hometown hero for the folks back home” in Lebanon, Virginia.

While the “Sole Survivor” title ultimately went to series legend “Boston Rob” Mariano instead, leaving Kiser to finish the competition in a respectable eighth place, his passing in April 2022 – which followed after the 56-year-old suffered a heart attack – sent shock waves throughout the fandom.

“R.I.P to one of the few lights in a very dark season,” wrote “Survivor” podcast host Mike Bloom on Twitter after news of Ralph’s passing broke online. “[Ralph] provided 33 days of accidental idol finding, rooster crowing & more.”

Sunday Burquest (‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X’)

After battling both esophageal and ovarian cancer in the space of a single decade, youth pastor and “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X” castaway Sunday Burquest passed away, aged 50, in April 2021.

Her daughter, Kennedy, broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram, posting a tribute to her “unbelievably beautiful mama.”

“Thank you for fighting as hard as you did for as long as you did. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a sister, and my mother all in one,” she wrote. “Thank you for raising me to love Jesus, and show that love to others. I love you to heaven and back a million times. I know one day we will meet again. Until then, I’ll spend every minute missing you, and trying to make you proud. Rest easy mom.”

Jeff Probst similarly memorialized the former castaway following her passing, saying that Sunday “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 lfe whenever possible,” the host added.

Angie Jakusz (‘Survivor: Palau’)

When Wisconsin native Angie Jakusz joined the cast of her original season in 2005, her fellow competitors had pegged her as an easy “first boot,” citing the castaway’s unconventional style and colorful tattoos as reasons to target her in the early days of the game.

While Angie’s physical prowess managed to protect her from elimination for a few episodes, she was ultimately voted off the island in 13th place.

After her untimely passing was announced in January 2021, Angie’s “Palau” co-star Colby Archa honored her legacy, telling PEOPLE, “People have to remember back in 2005 women weren’t cast on ‘Survivor’ with dreads and tattoos. [Angie] broke the casting barrier. Fans related to her story so much. And a lot of people wanted to see her play again for her strength.”

Jakusz’s passing followed a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 40 years old at the time of her death, but is survived by her husband of nine years, Steven Calandra.

Cliff Robinson (‘Survivor: Cagayan’)

Before joining the cast of “Survivor: Cagayan” in 2014, Cliff Robinson celebrated an illustrious career in the NBA, playing for teams like Portland Trail Blazers, the Phoenix Suns, the Detroit Pistols, the Golden State Warriors, and the New Jersey Nets.

As such, many were devastated when Robinson’s family announced that the former castaway had passed away in March 2019 following complications related to his ongoing battle with lymphoma.

His former team paid tribute to him in a Twitter post following his passing, writing, “The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family & loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers & all of Rip City.”

Robinson was 53 at the time of his passing. He is survived by his six children, three siblings, and his mother Helena, all of whom set up a fundraiser to support cancer research via the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his honor.

Rudy Boesch (‘Survivor: Borneo’ & ‘Survivor: All-Stars’)

One of the original “Survivor” castaways, Rudy Boesch was already 72 years old when he appeared on the very-first season of the series. Four years later, the decorated Navy veteran returned to the reality competition series to compete on “All-Stars,” where he ultimately became the second player voted off the returning-players season.

More than a decade following his final “Survivor” appearance, Rudy, then 91, passed away following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

After the news broke in November 2019, Boesch’s former “Survivor” co-stars took to social media to memorialize their friend.

“Ours was an interesting bond,” wrote “Survivor: Borneo” winner Richard Hatch on Twitter. “Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine prejudices. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!”

“Rudy was my roommate for weeks on our trip to Argentina after we both were voted out during ‘Survivor: All-Stars,” added castaway Rob Cesternino in an interview with PEOPLE. “I would hang on his every word because he would tell and re-tell all these amazing stories with his unique combination of brutal honesty and a razor-sharp wit. I’ve never met anybody who could ever make me laugh as much as Rudy.”

Ashley Massaro (‘Survivor: China’)

Prior to appearing on the cast of “Survivor: China” former castaway Ashley Massaro celebrated a successful career as a WWE superstar.

Her passing at 39 years old was first reported by TMZ Sports in May 2019, with sources telling the publication that Massaro was found unconscious in her Suffolk County home before being pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after. Her passing was later classified as “non-criminal.”

Her memory was honored by the WWE in a statement that read: “We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro. She performed in WWE from 2005-2008 and was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world.”

Massaro is survived by her daughter, Alexa.

Dan Kay (‘Survivor: Gabon’)

On December 31, 2016, former castaway Dan Kay passed away unexpectedly just eight years after appearing on the cast of “Survivor: Gabon.” He was 40 years old at the time of his passing, though, even a decade later, his cause of death remains officially undisclosed to the public.

Jeff Probst memorialized the Boston-based attorney on Twitter after his passing, writing, “I just heard the very sad news about the sudden loss of Dan Kay of ‘Survivor: Gabon.’ The ‘Survivor’ family sends our love to Dan’s family.”

Kay is survived by his two children, Reese Elizabeth and Jackson “Jax” Russell-Reid, as well as his girlfriend, Jennifer DiPietro, his mother, Jean-Ann, and his sister, Andrea.

Caleb Bankston (‘Survivor: Blood vs. Water’)

After his fiance, Colton Cumbie, turned heads on the cast of “Survivor: One World,” Caleb Bankston was invited to compete alongside his partner on 2013’s “Blood vs. Water” season.

While Cumbie continued to make enemies during his second series appearance, Bankston was well-liked by the majority of the cast, who remembered him well after news of his tragic death was announced in June 2014.

Outside of his time on the island, Caleb worked as a locomotive engineer/conductor on the Alabama Warrior Railway in his hometown of Birmingham. At 26 years old, Bankston passed away after the train he was on derailed.

“The entire ‘Survivor’ crew is together in Nicaragua,” wrote longtime host Jeff Probst after Bankston’s passing. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Caleb. He was one of the most humble and likable contestants we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with on the show. A true gentleman. He will be missed by so many. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and to his fiance, Colton.”

B.B. Andersen (‘Survivor: Borneo’)

Despite being one of the first castaways voted out of the very first season of “Survivor,” fans have never forgotten the impact former castaway B.B. Andersen had on the series.

Andersen was 64 years old when he flew to Borneo to compete for $1 million dollars and experience the adventure of a lifetime. 13 years later, in November 2013, B.B. passed away from brain cancer at the age of 77.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Jeff Probst memorialized the former castaway, telling the publication, “B.B. was one of the original cast members who launched ‘Survivor’ back in 2000. He was a powerful presence on the show and that zest for epic adventure was at the heart of everything he did. I was very saddened to hear of his passing.”

Andersen is survived by his five children, Alexandra, Mark, John, Todd and Darren.

Jenn Lyon (‘Survivor: Palau’)

After celebrating a fourth place finish on the cast of “Survivor: Palau” in 2005, actress Jenn Lyon tragically made history as the first-ever “Survivor” player to pass away.

Her untimely passing, which came in January 2010 following a lengthy battle with breast cancer that saw the former castaway undergo a radical bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy. She was just 37 years old at the time of her death.

According to Jeff Probst, he spoke to Lyons shortly before her passing “about the idea that death is such a hard subject and so many of us simply don’t know what is appropriate to say, so we end up saying the wrong thing for all the right reasons.”

Jenn’s “Palau” co-star Ian Rosenberger remembered her as “the model of grace,” adding that Lyons had been “so brave” in the months leading up to her passing.