First Survivor Contestant Sonja Christopher Passes Away at 87

1st Person Cast Off Survivor Sonja Christopher Dead at 87

Sonja Christopher Acey Harper/Getty Images

Sonja Christopher, the first-ever castaway eliminated from Survivor, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday, April 26.

In a statement shared on Survivor's official Instagram account on Saturday, April 27, host Jeff Probst expressed his admiration for Sonja. He described her as one of the kindest individuals to ever participate in the show, reminiscing about the pleasant interactions they had over the years. Probst highlighted Sonja's warm personality, always greeting others with a smile and radiating joy. He felt privileged to have crossed paths with her.

The account posted a photo of Christopher smiling while adjusting her hat. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

The news of Christopher's passing came out when Liz Wilcox, a contestant on season 46 of the reality show, shared a touching message. She posted a photo of Christopher, who was known for playing the ukulele on the first season in 2000, holding up her signed ukulele during a FaceTime call.

Wilcox shared the sad news that Sonja Christopher from Season One of Survivor has passed away. He mentioned meeting her on Christmas and admired her passion for the show. He hopes she is now in a beautiful place, singing and playing her heart out.

In another post on Friday, Wilcox suggested sending donations to Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, the Cancer Support Community of the San Francisco Bay Area, or the Sjogren’s Foundation in lieu of flowers.

1st Person Cast Off Survivor Sonja Christopher Dead at 87

Sonja Christopher Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Many Survivor cast members have honored Christopher on social media. Rob Cesternino shared on Friday, "She paved the way for every person who has played Survivor. We will always remember Sonja Christopher with a smile. Rest in peace to a legend."

Christopher was voted out of season 1 of Survivor, which was filmed in Borneo, after facing difficulties in the first challenge.

Christopher opened up to Entertainment Weekly in 2020 about her feelings upon leaving the show, describing herself as "pretty beaten up." She mentioned still having bruises that haven't healed. When asked if ageism played a role in her early exit, she dismissed the idea, as she never considered herself old due to her physical fitness and active lifestyle.

Her appearance on Survivor followed a battle with breast cancer three years prior. Christopher shared that she was in the process of recovering from treatment, dealing with a breakup, and living in a senior retirement community with no immediate family ties. It was during this time that she came across an article in the morning paper about CBS searching for Americans to participate in a survival challenge on a deserted island.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Sonja Christopher, the first-ever Survivor castaway, is a poignant reminder of the show's enduring legacy. Christopher's indomitable spirit and unwavering optimism left an indelible mark on the series and inspired countless viewers. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of human connection, even in the face of adversity.

Christopher's departure from Survivor may have been premature, but her impact on the show and its contestants is immeasurable. Her unwavering determination and infectious smile continue to serve as a source of inspiration for those who have followed in her footsteps. As host Jeff Probst aptly put it, Sonja Christopher's kindness and warmth will forever be etched in the annals of Survivor history.