The “Survivor” community is reflecting on the life of a notable participant, Jane Bright, who took part in the 21st season of “Survivor: Nicaragua” on CBS. Bright has died at 71 years old.
Authorities discovered Bright deceased in her home in North Carolina on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Her daughter, Ashley Hammett, who appeared with Bright during a Loved Ones visit on the show, shared the news on Facebook, noting that Bright was found by “a good friend and county sheriff.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jane Bright, born on December 13, 1953, in Jackson Springs, North Carolina, worked as a dog trainer before joining “Survivor: Nicaragua” in 2010 at age 56. She was the oldest contestant in a season that divided 20 castaways into tribes by age. Bright began with the older Espada tribe, alongside NFL Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson, whom she helped vote off on Day 9.
Bright became a key member of her tribe, showcasing survival skills such as making fire for her team, even starting flames using reading glasses. Throughout the season, she was a major provider, sustaining the fire and catching fish for her group.
Her tenure on the show was marked by a rivalry with contestant Marty Piombo, leading to a Survivor record of voting against him five times in a row. She later aligned with younger tribe members to target Piombo and his allies.
In challenges, Bright exceeded expectations by displaying significant physical strength and endurance. She won two individual immunity challenges, more than any other woman that season. In a memorable instance, she caught and secretly ate a fish without sharing with her tribemates.
Bright became part of the majority alliance, forming a bond with fellow North Carolinian Chase Rice, who later gained recognition as a country music star. Her strategic prowess, however, led her alliance to view her as a threat for the million-dollar prize.
Upon learning of her impending vote-out, Bright extinguished the tribe’s fire she had tended, declaring, “I started it, I’m putting it out” before leaving. At the next Tribal Council, she was unanimously voted out, placing sixth and becoming the seventh jury member.
Despite her exit, Bright’s popularity with viewers remained high. At the reunion show, host Jeff Probst announced she had won the Sprint Fan Favorite audience prize, receiving $100,000. She was the first woman to win the Sprint Player of the Season award, making her only the second to earn the Fan Favorite Award.
After her death, tributes from fellow Survivor contestants emerged. Donathan Hurley from “Survivor: Ghost Island” expressed his sorrow on social media, calling Bright “a firecracker.” Sandra Diaz-Twine, a two-time winner, simply stated, “Rest in heavenly peace.” Jonny Fairplay described Bright as representing “every southern woman that helped raise me” and one of the most resolute players in the game.
Before her Survivor appearance, Bright faced personal loss with her husband’s cancer death in 2009. In a pre-show discussion with Entertainment Weekly, she asserted her ability to focus on the competition, noting her late husband’s encouragement to seize the opportunity.
Bright’s impact on the Survivor franchise endures, with fans recalling her resilience and distinctive character. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley. Fans across the Survivor community continue to remember her contributions to the reality series.
