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Jane Bright, a beloved contestant from Survivor: Nicaragua, has passed away at the age of 71. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Ashley Hammett, who shared via Facebook on May 15 that Jane was "found passed away within her home by a good friend and county sheriff." The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jane made her mark on season 21 of Survivor, which aired in 2010 and was filmed on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. At 56 years old, she was the oldest woman in the cast and began her journey with the Espada tribe. Despite personal hardship—having lost her husband and one of her best show dogs just months before filming—she pursued the game with resilience. "He always wanted me to do this," Jane once said of her late husband, adding, "There are orbs that show up in pictures so I know they are with me."
Known for her quirky charm, survival skills, and fierce competitiveness, Jane won two individual immunity challenges—more than any other woman on her season—and became a standout player. She formed strong bonds, particularly with fellow North Carolinian Chase Rice, and was noted for her rivalry with tribemate Marty Piombo, who she successfully orchestrated to be voted out on day 24.
Jane finished in sixth place, becoming the seventh member of the jury after being voted out on day 36. Her elimination came after her alliance feared her strong standing with the jury. Before her departure, she memorably extinguished the tribe's campfire—a symbolic act that fans hailed as "one of the most poetic moments" of the series. She later explained, "According to my weather prediction that morning... I knew probably by evening it was gonna be pouring down rain."
Although she didn't win the title of Sole Survivor, Jane was voted the Sprint Fan Favorite and awarded $100,000 during the reunion show. "Rest in heavenly peace. Jane from Survivor: Nicaragua," wrote two-time winner Sandra Diaz-Twine. Todd Herzog, winner of Survivor: China, added, "Love you Jane! Always in our hearts!"
Tributes poured in from fans online, calling her "a legend," "iconic," and "one of the most entertaining contestants" of her season. One fan noted, "She started it, she finished it. She was an icon."
Jane Bright leaves behind a legacy as a tenacious competitor and cherished figure in the Survivor community.
