The reality TV world is in mourning after beloved Survivor contestant Keith Nale passed away at the age of 62.
The Shreveport, Louisiana firefighter first appeared on Survivor Season 29 – San Juan del Sur in 2014 – and Season 31 – Cambodia – in 2015.
Nale’s son Wes confirmed his father’s death Entertainment tonight.
“He passed away this afternoon. He’s been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out in January,” Wes revealed.
Keith’s brother, Kevin Nale, added: ‘A life taken way too soon! It went so fast. Cancer ate him. He passed away this afternoon at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana.”
Some of his fellow contestants also shared tributes on social media.
RIP: The reality TV world is in mourning after beloved Survivor contestant Keith Nale passes away at age 62
Tribute: Some of his fellow contestants shared their memories on social media
Keith and his son Wes both competed in San Juan del Sur, a unique season where two lovers go head to head.
The season also featured former MLB pitcher John Rocker and his girlfriend Julie, with Keith considered an underdog early in the season.
He was never part of any of the season’s long-standing alliances, though his skills in Immunity Challenges and a Hidden Immunity Idol helped him reach the final four.
He was eliminated in fourth place, while his son Wes was eliminated in ninth place in the season, which was eventually won by Natalie Anderson.
Keith returned for Survivor: Cambodia – Second Chance, which offered a new twist in the casting.
While producers typically cast recurring contestants for “second chance” seasons, they let viewers vote for the 20 returning contestants.
Playing a similar game to his first appearance, Nale attempted to team up with others, though eventually switched alliances.
Season One: Keith and his son Wes both competed in San Juan del Sur, a unique season pitting two lovers against each other
Finale: He was never part of any of the season’s long-term alliances, though his skills in Immunity Challenges and a Hidden Immunity Idol helped him reach the final four
Second Chance: While producers usually cast recurring contestants for “second chance” seasons, they let viewers vote for the 20 returning contestants
He finished in fifth place and was eliminated just before the final Tribal Council, with Jeremy Collins going on to win the season.
Some of Keith’s fellow participants shared their condolences on Twitter, including Kelley Wentworth.
“Keith—a man of the purest heart, who brought humor to moments where it was most needed,” she began.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Keith and share memories together on the beaches of Nicaragua and Cambodia. My heart is with the entire Nale family. This is a devastating loss,” she concluded.
Collins also shared a tribute on Twitter, saying, “My condolences to the Big D, Wes, Austin and the entire Nale family. Keith will miss you, but your legacy will live on. Rest in peace my firefighter/survivor brother. #RIPOtis.’
In December 2014, after being sent home in San Juan del Sur, Nale spoke of competing against much younger contestants.
“They were impressed, as I was 53. Granted, that’s not 93, but it’s not 23 either. And I said, ‘Man, they were impressed with some of the challenges,'” he told Uproxx.
“They said, ‘Man, I couldn’t have hung on that pole for an hour and a half.” They were all behind me, a great bunch of guys,” he added.
“They wanted me to win it and, you know, take it home to Louisiana. But that just didn’t happen,” he said.
Kelley: Some of Keith’s fellow participants shared their condolences on Twitter, including Kelley Wentworth (right)
Jeremy’s Tribute: Collins also shared a tribute on Twitter, saying, “My condolences to the Big D, Wes, Austin and the entire Nale family. Keith will miss you, but your legacy will live on. Rest in peace my firefighter/survivor brother. #RIPOtis
Competing: In December 2014, after being sent home in San Juan del Sur, Nale spoke about competing against much younger contestants
