Survivor contestants who have died and the causes of their deaths

The list of Survivor contestants who have died includes well-known names such as Jenn Lyon, Rudy Boesch, and Keith Nale. Their deaths stem from a range of causes, including chronic illnesses, tragic accidents, and, in some cases, mental health struggles. Cast from the CBS Original series Survivor, Season 48. Photo: Robert Voets (modified by author) Source: Getty Images TABLE OF CONTENTS Key takeaways Survivor contestants who have died 1. Jane Bright 2. Angie Jakusz 3. Ashley Massaro 4. B.B. Andersen 5. Caleb Bankston 6. Clay Jordan 7. Cliff Robinson 8. Dan Kay 9. Dan Lembo 10. Jenn Lyon 11. Keith Nale 12. Kim Johnson 13. Ralph Kiser 14. Roger Sexton 15. Rudy Boesch 16. Sonja Christopher 17. Sunday Burquest Wrapping up + View more Key takeaways Some Survivor contestants who have passed away include Jenn Lyon, Rudy Boesch, and Keith Nale. Jenn Lyon died in 2010 after a five-year battle with breast cancer. Rudy Boesch passed away in 2019 due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease; he was 91 and widely regarded as one of the show’s most iconic early figures. Keith Nale died in 2023 at age 62 following a diagnosis of cancer, just months after his illness was discovered. Several Survivor contestants have died from different forms of cancer, including lymphoma and pancreatic cancer. Tragic accidents have also taken the lives of some former contestants, including train crashes and other fatal incidents unrelated to the show itself. Mental health struggles have led to the untimely deaths of a few Survivor alumni. READ ALSO Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing cast: Lives and profiles of the contestants Survivor contestants who have died Survivor has featured hundreds of contestants since its launch in 2000. While many returned to their everyday lives after the game, a number of them have sadly passed away. So, how many Survivor contestants have passed away? Over 15 contestants have died. Here is a complete list of Survivor contestants who have died and their causes of death. Name Date of death Cause of death Jane Bright May 15, 2025 (71 years) Not publicly disclosed Angie Jakusz January 8, 2021 (40 years) Squamous cell colorectal cancer Ashley Massaro May 16, 2019 (39 years) Took her life B.B. Andersen October 29, 2013 (77 years) Brain cancer Caleb Bankston June 24, 2014 (26 years) Train derailment accident Clay Jordan May 19, 2022 (66 years) Brief illness Cliff Robinson August 29, 2020 (53 years) Lymphoma Dan Kay December 31, 2016 (40 years) Unknown Dan Lembo September 3, 2022 (75 years) Progressive supranuclear palsy Jennifer Lyon January 19, 2010 (37 years) Breast cancer Keith Nale April 18, 2023 (62 years) Cancer Kim Johnson July 23, 2024 (79 years) Cancer Ralph Kiser April 20, 2022 (56 years) Heart attack Roger Sexton October 26, 2022 (76 years) Lewy body dementia Rudy Boesch November 1, 2019 (91 years) Complications from Alzheimer’s disease Sonja Christopher April 26, 2024 (87 years) Long illness Sunday Burquest April 18, 2021 (50 years) Oesophageal and ovarian cancer READ ALSO Glee Cast deaths: Every beloved star we’ve lost from the hit show 1. Jane Bright Jane Bright, a dog trainer, poses for a picture. Photo: Monty Brinton Source: Getty Images Full name: Jane Bright Season: Survivor: Nicaragua Date of Death: May 15, 2025 (71 years) Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed Jane Bright was a fan favourite on Survivor: Nicaragua, known for her toughness, independence, and emotional moments on screen. She often clashed with younger tribe members but won over viewers with her underdog resilience. Jane passed away in May 2025 at the age of 71. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Ashley Hammett, who announced that Jane was found deceased in her North Carolina home. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. 2. Angie Jakusz Angie Jakusz is one of the 20 new castaways set to participate in Survivor: Palau. Photo: Monty Brinton Source: Getty Images Full name: Angie Jakusz Season: Survivor: Palau Date of Death: January 8, 2021 (40 years) Cause of Death: Squamous cell colorectal cancer Angie Jakusz, also known as “No Fun Angie,” stood out in Survivor: Palau for her unconventional look and quiet strength. She left a lasting impression with her individuality and resilience despite being eliminated early in the season.