Survivor fans mourn the loss of Sonja Christopher, the pioneering contestant from Season 1 of the show, who passed away at the age of 87 in April 2024.
Advertisement
The news was shared by Liz Wilcox, a current contestant on Season 46, who had met Christopher over Christmas.
Christopher, who made her mark as the first person voted off Survivor Season 1, left a lasting impression on those who knew her. Wilcox shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing fond memories of Christopher’s spirit and love for Survivor.

Acey Harper/Getty Images
In her post, Wilcox reminisced about their meeting and shared a photo of the two chatting on FaceTime. She described Christopher as a legend with a vibrant personality and a deep appreciation for the impact Survivor had on her life.
Advertisement
Instead of flowers, Wilcox encouraged people to donate to organizations close to Christopher’s heart, including the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California, the Cancer Support Community in San Francisco, or the Sjogren’s Foundation.
Christopher’s appearance on Survivor: Borneo in 2000 marked the beginning of the iconic reality show’s journey. Despite being the first to leave the island, her presence resonated with viewers and contestants alike, leaving an indelible mark on the Survivor legacy.

Leave a Reply