Stars From Survivor You Didn't Know Died

Since its conception, there have been hundreds of castaways who've appeared on the hit CBS reality show, "Survivor." These contenders were ready to risk it all to prove their endurance with the hope of becoming the "Sole Survivor." While the popular game series first debuted in 2000, it has since gone on to release an impressive 41 seasons, showcasing contestants of all ages who were willing to test themselves by tackling some really tough challenges. Sadly, as with any long-running program, some of these competitors have passed away since their time on the show.

Without a doubt, any fan of "Survivor" is sure to be disheartened by the news that their favorites are no longer around. Some, like Cliff Robinson, will not only be remembered for his time on the series but also for his work as a former NBA All-Star. Others, like the ultra-positive Sunday Burquest, will be missed by both fans and cast members who were touched by her incredible personality and paid tribute to her on social media accordingly. There's no question that these castaways have left their mark on the reality show, and while they may have passed on, these competitors won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Former "Survivor" contestant B.B. Andersen was one of the original castaways who appeared on the first season of the reality series, "Survivor: Borneo." After being voted out in the second episode, Andersen ended up being the second competitor sent home. According to The Kansas City Star, Andersen passed away in 2013 "after a courageous battle with brain cancer." The obituary described him as a "conservative champion" and "a lover of fine cigars, fine wine, close friends, and good political debate." He was 77 years old at the time of his death.

A separate article by the Daily Mail announcing Andersen's passing additionally provided the reactions from those who knew him on the reality series. The outlet recapped a since-deleted write-up from People in which "Survivor" host Jeff Probst shared a tribute to the late former contestant. "He was a powerful presence on the show and that zest for epic adventure was at the heart of everything he did." Similar responses were also given by Season 1's winner, Richard Hatch, who also offered his condolences to Andersen's family, and former contender Joel Klug, who praised Andersen's mental and physical strength.

Former contestant Cliff Robinson was a castaway on "Survivor: Cagayan." According to Deadline, Robinson was the first NBA player to appear on the reality series. He eventually finished in 14th place during Season 28, which was themed "Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty." While the competitor did not make his sports background known to the other players, fellow contender Woo Hwang recognized the 6'10" basketball star and admitted to being a fan. In his career, Robinson was known for helping UConn win the 1988 NIT title, helping the Portland Trail Blazers reach the NBA finals in 1990 and 1992, and for winning the NBA Sixth Man Award for 1993-1994.

Sadly, in 2020, the University of Connecticut announced on Twitter that their former player had passed away, offering their condolences to Robinson's relatives. According to Entertainment Weekly, the former reality contestant's family later reported that Robinson's cause of death was due to complications from lymphoma. He was only 53 years old. Saddened by the news, Robin's former team also paid tribute to the late star on Twitter, saying, "The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson." A similar sentiment was conveyed by UConn's Huskies coach, Jim Calhoun. "He was our first great player ... he came from a difficult background in Buffalo, I watched him evolve as a man." His words were shared on social media by David Borges.

One of the original contestants, Rudy Boesch, appeared on the reality series' first season, "Survivor: Borneo." According to People, the former Navy Seal's upfront personality ended up making him a fan favorite who would later return for the series' 8th season, "Survivor: All-Stars." Boesch would eventually finish in third place in his first run, but his second time on the series would be short-lived, with Boesch being the second challenger voted off. The write-up states that the former competitor passed away in 2019 from complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 91 years old.

Season 1 winner Richard Hatch, with whom Boesch formed an alliance, expressed sorrow at his friend's passing, saying that he would be greatly missed and wished Boesch's family "peace" in their time of grief. Hatch, who was an openly gay contestant on the series, told the outlet that Boesch's partnership with him, as well as his treatment of the "Survivor: Borneo" victor, was "an example of honesty and open-mindedness." Similarly, on Twitter, Hatch further referenced the importance of their friendship on "Survivor" by saying, "You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces [sic]. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!"

Caleb Bankston was a competitor on the "Survivor: Blood vs. Water" season in 2013. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Alabama-based contestant competed on the series with his fiancé, Colton Cumbie. While Bankston's partner was a returning contestant who clashed with some of his fellow contenders, Bankston was said to be popular with the other castaways and viewers. Bankston eventually finished in ninth place on the 27th season. In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the former reality star stated that he and Cumbie were planning to wed in Connecticut in October. He expressed excitement over the big day, and added that fall was the couple's "favorite time of year."

Sadly, in 2014, People reported that Bankston, who worked for the Alabama Warrior Railway in Birmingham, had died in a railway accident after a train he was on derailed. News of his death left fellow "Survivor" contestants shocked. Aras Baskauskas told the new source that Bankston was "one of the sweetest and most sincere humans I've ever come across." Similarly, Sabrina Thompson spoke about competing with the late contestant's partner, saying that Cumbie frequently praised Bankston and spoke about him constantly. Thompson says after meeting the charming Bankston, she understood why. In an interview with The Crimson White, Cumbie reflected on his loss, saying, "Caleb was my everything. We were the couple that my family would get so mad when we played dominoes because we cheated. We always played together."