‘Survivor: Africa’s Kim Johnson Dies at 79, Mourned by Ethan Zohn’

Survivor alum Kim Johnson has passed away at the age of 79, as confirmed by her former co-star and season winner Ethan Zohn.

“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, 50, expressed on Instagram on Monday, July 29. He shared a reel of moments with Johnson from their time on the reality show, adding, “I will forever have that planters punch in your honor! ❤️.”

The exact cause of Johnson’s death has not been disclosed.

Many Survivor fans, along with Survivor 44 winner Yam Yam Arocho, mourned her loss in the comments section, with Arocho stating, “Kim J, Rest in Peace 🙏.”

Johnson was a beloved contestant on Survivor: Africa, which premiered in 2001. At 56, the retired teacher became the first woman to be the oldest contestant of a season. During her time on the show, she won seven challenges, including two immunity necklaces, and became renowned for her spirit and tenacity.

In the final challenge, Johnson, Zohn, and Lex Van den Berghe had to keep one hand on the tribal immunity idol while balancing on a log. Johnson famously quipped about imagining herself on a beach with a “planter’s punch” cocktail. After more than three hours, Johnson outlasted Van den Berghe, who dropped due to stomach pains, securing her victory and marking her as the oldest person to win a challenge in the series.

Her triumph ensured her place in the finale, making history as the oldest woman to reach the final tribal council. Johnson then voted out Van den Berghe, leading her and Zohn to sit side by side in the final tribal council for Survivor: Africa. Although Zohn won with a 5-2 jury vote, Johnson became the first Survivor finalist to receive fewer than three jury votes.

Reflecting on her journey, Johnson said during her final tribal council speech, “You all made me feel important without exception. Each one of you has helped me be the best that I can be and so I’m leaving here like a winner big time.”

She did not return to play Survivor again but remained a favorite among fans, holding the record as the oldest woman finalist in the franchise’s history. After her time on the show, Johnson settled in Oyster Bay, New York, worked as a coordinator for an indoor tennis club, and volunteered for the blind and deaf.

Her legacy lives on as a testament to her resilience, kindness, and competitive spirit.

Source: Us Magazine