Jane Bright, Fan Favourite On Reality Show Survivor, Dies At 71

News18

16-05-2025

Last Updated:
Before gaining popularity in 2010 as a contestant of Survivor Nicaragua, she worked as a dog trainer.
The Survivor Nicaragua, season 21's castaway Jane Bright, has passed away today at the age of 71. The tragic news of her death is being confirmed after Jane's daughter Ashley Hammett shared a post on Facebook. Hammett, who made an appearance during a special episode of loved ones' visit on Survivor, wrote, 'Today, Jane Hammett Bright was found passed away within her home by a good friend and country sheriff." The cause of her death was not mentioned in the post.
Jane was born on December 13, 1953, in North Carolina. Before gaining popularity in 2010 as a contestant of Survivor Nicaragua, she worked as a dog trainer, as reported by The Sun. After participating in the famous American television reality show, she won the hearts of the audience with her straightforward attitude and strong performance. Most importantly, fans loved her for providing food for the tribe. She won two immunity challenges in the season. Although Jud Fabio Birza became the season's winner, Jane was recognised as the 'fan-favourite'. Selected by the fans, she was awarded the Sprint Player of the Season title and won $100,000.
Jane was selected for the 21st season of Survivor after applying to the competition 10 times. In that season, 20 players were initially divided into two groups based on their ages. Notably, Jane was the oldest woman among the contestants, at age 56.
Alongside Jane Bright and winner Fabio Bizra, the season featured a diverse cast of characters, including NFL coach Jimmy Johnson, country singer Chase Rice, Marty Piombo and others. During the show, she formed a strong bond with Chase, who was also from North Carolina.
Jane Bright was an inspiration to many Survivor players. Charity Nelms, who participated in Survivor 48, considered Jane as her favourite Survivor player. Following her death, Nelms shared a story on instagram, writing, 'I called Jane my favourite Survivor of all time in one of my interviews and she messaged me inviting me to her farm less than a month ago. This is so sad. We lost a special one."
Two-time Survivor winner Sandra Diaz-Twine also shared a heartfelt post on instagram to pay tribute to the former contestant. She posted a picture of Bright with the caption, 'Rest in heavenly peace. Jane from Survivor Nicaragua."
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A post shared by Sandra Diaz-Twine (@sassysdt)
Following her demise, several Survivor fan pages and individual fans took to social media to pay their heartfelt tributes to the 'fan-favourite' Jane Bright.
First Published:
May 16, 2025, 17:33 IST