"So sorry for the things I said": Survivor Season 48's Joe gets emotional while recalling his last conversation with his sister

Survivor Season 48
Survivor Season 48's Joe Hunter | Image Source: Instagram/ @joehunterucla

Survivor Season 48 Episode 12 aired on May 14, 2025. The latest episode featured plenty of key moments, one of which was Joe getting emotional while recalling his late sister, Joanna.

During the episode, one of the strong contenders, Joe, recalled the last conversation he had with his sister. While spending some time by himself near the sea, Joe confessed to the cameras how the conversation didn't go the way either of them wanted it to.

"The night before you passed, I said some things I didn't mean. And I never spoke to you again. Past that morning. And I feel closer out here to you. So... Bottom of my heart. I'm so sorry for the things I said. I know you didn't mean things you said either. And I never got the chance to say, I love you," confessed Joe.

Survivor Season 48 Episode 12: While recalling his last conversation with his late sister, Joe gets emotional

The CBS competition show, Survivor Season 48, has entered a crucial stage. After the latest episode ended, it saw five finalists. It includes Eva, Joe, Kamilla, Mitch, and Kyle.

During the recently released twelfth episode, Joe recalled his late sister, who had been the reason behind his participation in the show. Joe said that his motivation was his sister and that she wanted him to compete. He mentioned wanting to be Joanna's voice.

With tears in his eyes, Survivor Season 48's Joe shared that he was in the final six. He confessed that the night before her passing became the last conversation between them, and he never spoke to her again.

However, as Joe said, he felt "closer" to his sister out in nature. He apologized to her and confessed his love for Joanna.

"Most of all, I know I had one job as a brother. So, I need you to know that I'm sorry. That I couldn't protect you from that monster. I'm sorry. All right. I keep fighting out here," said Joe.

Further, Survivor Season 48's cast member said that reading his son's letters, which he said Joe was courageous, gave him a push. With that push, Joe was able to share the things about his sister out loud. He added that he wanted some "closure" and a chance to say "goodbye."

The latest episode of the CBS show featured Joe grabbing the spot in the Top 5 finalists. Along with that, he also won this week's immunity challenge. This win marked Joe's fourth individual immunity win.


To learn more about elimination and the challenges, fans can head to CBS and stream the latest Survivor Season 48 Episode 12.

Edited by Gira Rathod