Sarah Danser, known for her appearances on the Discovery Channel’s reality show “Naked and Afraid,” passed away on October 22, 2024, following a car accident in Kahala, Hawaii.
The tragic incident took place on October 20 when the 59-year-old male driver lost control of the vehicle, striking a parked car. Danser, who was buckled up, was critically injured and was taken to the hospital. Despite medical intervention, Danser succumbed to her injuries two days later.
The driver, who hadn’t fastened his seatbelt, suffered serious injuries. Another individual in a parked car was injured while a second declined medical attention. Speed was found to be a contributing factor in the accident, however, drugs and alcohol were not implicated, as per Honolulu police.
Danser, born on August 10, 1990, in Castle Rock, Colorado, was a skilled survivalist and had made multiple appearances on “Naked and Afraid,” including seasons 8 (2017), 11 (2020), and seasons 4 (2018), 6 (2020), and 7 (2021) of “Naked and Afraid XL.” Her most recent TV stint was on the CW’s “Fight to Survive” in August 2023.
A tribute to Danser was posted on Facebook by her “Naked and Afraid” co-star, Melissa Lauren. Lauren lauded Danser’s adventurous spirit and superior survival skills, learned from their shared experience on “Naked and Afraid XL” in South Africa. Additionally, Lauren acknowledged Danser’s fortitude as a two-time breast cancer survivor who demonstrated a positive and inspiring attitude during her ordeal. She painted a picture of Danser as a lover of the ocean, nature, and exploration, dubbing her a “modern-day pirate.”
Having survived breast cancer twice, Danser had been residing in Hawaii for over a decade, working as a boat captain and scuba diving instructor for Island Divers Hawaii. She spent part of her time living on a boat in Kewalo Basin, which reflected her passion for travel and adventure.
Danser was a cherished figure in the local diving community. Island Divers Hawaii, where she worked, expressed their grief over her death on their Facebook page, sharing a screenshot of Danser’s last Instagram post. The center described her as a beloved friend and skilled captain whose positive energy will be deeply missed.
Danser’s family, including her father Dan and brother Jake, were at the hospital during her last moments. Island Divers Hawaii revealed plans to establish a memorial in her honor.
