Iconic Survivor star who worked as a dog trainer before winning $100,000 as season fan favorite dies aged 71
FAN-favourite Survivor star Jane Bright – who won $100,000 in the reality TV show – has passed away aged 71.
Her daughter Ashley Hammett announced the tragic news on Thursday and said that her mum was found dead in her home.
She died nearly 15 years since appearing on the CBS competition series.
Bright was born in North Carolina on December 13, 1953, and worked as a dog trainer before appearing on Survivor in 2010.
She was 56 years old when she made her iconic appearance on the show.
After being crowned as fan-favourite, she earned $100,000, but missed out on the $1million first place prize.
The beloved TV star placed 6th out of 20 contestants on season 21 the reality game show, and started the season in the Espada tribe.
She was known for her straight-talking personality and underdog story.
Her daughter announced her death on Facebook, saying: “Today Jane Hammett Bright was found passed away within her home by a good friend and county sheriff.”
Tributes poured in from the Survivor family.
Two-time winner Sandra Diaz-Twine shared an Instagram post with a heartfelt tribute to the former contestant.
It contained a photo of Bright captioned: “Rest in heavenly peace. Jane from Survivor Nicaragua #survivor.”
Jonny Fairplay, who starred in Survivor: Pearl Islands and Survivor: Micronesia, also paid tribute to the tragic contestant.
He said: “Tougher than a $2 steak! Jane Bright is one of the most incredible Survivors I’ve ever met.
“There’s never been a more resolute player in the history of the game.
“And there’s never been more of a friend that if you ever called them that would ALWAYS be there!”
Grieving fans poured out on social media, with many remembering her iconic moments on Survivor.
One fan said: “RIP. She was iconic, she had some of the most entertaining moments on that (slightly underrated) season.”
Another said: “Rest in peace Jane. one of if not the best part about Nicaragua.”
The user added: “She was a legend and of my favourite that season. I really wish I could have met her. RIP Jane.”
Her cause of death is currently unclear.
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