‘Runner-Up of ‘Survivor Africa’ Was 79 Years Old’

Survivor Africa runner-up Kim Johnson, who remains the oldest woman to ever reach the final stage in the long-running reality competition, has passed away, according to her children. She was 79.

Johnson, who was 56 at the time and a former elementary school teacher, was often underestimated during her time on the show. Many perceived her as riding the coattails of eventual winner Ethan Zohn. However, she demonstrated her resilience by winning the last two immunity challenges, securing her spot in the final vote, which ultimately went 5-2 against her.

“Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness, and generosity,” read a statement from her children given to Entertainment Weekly. “She wore her rose-colored glasses right up until the end. She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever…”

Zohn posted a video compilation from their time on the show and wrote, “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. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!”

Survivor Africa remains one of the most dangerous seasons in the show’s history, with lions roaming the area and tribes needing to construct walls made of thorn bushes to keep them at bay.

Source: Entertainment Weekly, Deadline