‘Survivor: Africa’ Runner-Up Kim Johnson Dies at Age 79

Published: 4:38 PM PDT, July 29, 2024

Kim Johnson has passed away at the age of 79. The news was confirmed on July 29 by her daughter, Kerry Johnson Tichi, a former contestant on Survivor: Africa. In a statement to People, Tichi shared, “Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness, and generosity. 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.”

The mother of three rose to fame as the runner-up in the 2001 season of Survivor, finishing just behind Ethan Zohn. Zohn paid tribute to her on Instagram, posting a video montage from their season alongside his heartfelt caption. “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 planters punch in your honor!”

Survivor host Jeff Probst also remembered Johnson in an Instagram post, praising her as “a pioneer.” Probst highlighted her record as the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge and her inspiring presence on the show. “She earned her place in the final two and even received votes to win the game. 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.” Probst concluded, “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.” The post was signed on behalf of both him and the entire Survivor & CBS team.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kim Johnson grew up in Maryland and lived throughout the Northeast during her life. According to her Survivor bio, she was a retired elementary school teacher who later found joy working at an indoor tennis club and owning a sportswear clothing boutique. Johnson was fluent in sign language and enjoyed a variety of activities such as exercising, camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, golfing, and horseback riding.

At the time her bio was written, Johnson had been married to her husband, Ted, for 37 years. They shared three children—Wendy, Kerry, and Ted, Jr.—as well as several grandchildren.

Source: People, Instagram