Kim Johnson, ‘Survivor’ Season 3 Runner-Up, Dies at 79

Kim Johnson, the spirited runner-up of “Survivor” Season 3, “Survivor: Africa,” and the oldest female finalist in the show’s history, has passed away at the age of 79.

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The location and cause of her death have not been disclosed yet.

Jeff Probst, the long-time host of the reality competition series, expressed his condolences on Instagram, representing both CBS and the “Survivor” team.

“Kim was a pioneer on ‘Survivor’ and we are deeply sorry to learn of her passing. She still holds the record for the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge, earned her place in the final two, and even received votes to win the game,” Probst wrote. “I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other ‘older’ people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself. She definitely left her mark on the game and on all of us who were lucky enough to work on that season and tell her story.”

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Ethan Zohn, who emerged victorious in “Survivor: Africa” with a 5-2 vote, also shared his thoughts in an Instagram post. “Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you,” Zohn wrote. “I will forever have that planter’s punch in your honor!”

Johnson’s journey to “Survivor: Africa” was interesting indeed. Before joining the show at age 56, she was a retired school teacher from Cleveland, Ohio. Not only did she coordinate a league at an indoor tennis club, but she also owned a sportswear boutique. Her CBS “Survivor” bio highlighted her love for physical activities, listing her interests as running, tennis, free weights, camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, golfing, horseback riding, thoroughbred horse racing, and playing various games. She described herself as nutty, logical, and determined—a trifecta that surely contributed to her successful run on the show.

Kim Johnson is survived by her three children, Wendy, Kerry, and Teddy. Her adventurous spirit and resilience undoubtedly left an enduring legacy on both her family and the “Survivor” community.

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Source: Variety, Deadline, CBS News