Who was Jane Bright? 'Survivor: Nicaragua' Season 21 contestant dies at 71

Jane Bright, a contestant on Survivor: Nicaragua season 21, has died in North Carolina at the age of 71. She was a fan favorite.

According to Entertainment Weekly, her daughter, Ashley Hammett, announced her demise in a post on Facebook this Thursday, May 15. Her body was reportedly discovered earlier that day, though at the time of writing, a cause of death remains unclear.

Jane Bright was born on December 13, 1953, in Jackson Springs, N.C. When she made her debut on the CBS show at the age of 56 in 2010, she worked as a dog trainer. She eventually came in sixth place out of the cast of 20. While she failed to nab the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million reward, fans voted for her for the Sprint Fan Favorite award, which earned her $100,000 in cash.

Jane Bright's life and legacy explored:

In the post on Facebook, Ashley penned:

“Today Jane Hammett Bright was found passed away within her home by a good friend and county sheriff.”

In the wake of her demise, fellow Survivor alum NaOnka Mixon, who was her Espada tribemate, paid tribute to her on X:

“People don’t understand that although Survivor is a game, you make life long connections on the Island and you get to really know your castmates,” she wrote on May 15. “Losing 2 castmates make things a little too real right now! Espada for life.”

Another alum, season 36 contestant Donathan Hurley, also took to X to share his condolences:

“Lord, I sure did get my heart broken when I opened up Facebook after work! One of my favorite Survivor family members, as I call them all, has passed away,” he wrote. “I loved Jane so much!!! This lady was a firecracker! Always ready to have a good time and a good laugh! RIP Jane.”

Entertainment Weekly has reported that back when she starred on the competition series, Jane Bright's husband had just died. At the time, she reflected on how difficult it was for her to focus on the show:

"Don always wanted me to do this," Bright said. "He knew I was applying throughout the years. And because he's not here? He is here, and I'm gonna tell you what, we've had pictures taken at my house, and I lost him and one of my show dogs about the same time, and their orbs show up in pictures, so I know they're with me, honey."

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