Walnut Creek, California – Sonja Christopher, the first contestant to be eliminated from Season 1 of “Survivor,” has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by Liz Wilcox, a current participant on the show. The cause of Christopher’s death has not been disclosed.
Wilcox took to social media to share the news, recounting her meeting with Christopher during Christmas and expressing admiration for the late reality TV star’s passion for “Survivor.” She fondly remembered Christopher as a spirited individual who found joy in the experiences brought about by the show.
In her post, Wilcox encouraged those who wish to honor Christopher’s memory to consider making donations to organizations such as the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, the Cancer Support Community in San Francisco, or the Sjogren’s Foundation in lieu of sending flowers.
Christopher made her mark on “Survivor” in the year 2000 when she competed on the inaugural season, “Survivor: Borneo.” Her journey on the show came to an end following a series of setbacks that ultimately led to her team’s elimination during the first week of the competition.
Fans of the long-running reality series have been quick to pay tribute to Christopher’s legacy, recognizing her contribution to the early days of the show that would ultimately become a cultural phenomenon. Through her time on “Survivor,” Christopher left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers and fellow contestants alike.