Kim Johnson, the beloved star of *Survivor: Africa*, has passed away at the age of 79. Her daughter, Kerry Johnson Tichi, shared the news with People magazine.
Kim Johnson made a lasting impression on the 2001 season of *Survivor*, finishing as the runner-up behind Ethan Zohn. Kerry Johnson Tichi reflected on her mother’s life, saying, “Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness, and generosity. She wore her rose-colored glasses right up until the end.
She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world.
We will miss her forever.”
Ethan Zohn, who was crowned the Sole Survivor that season, paid a heartfelt tribute to Kim Johnson.
He wrote, “Rest in peace, Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor.”
Breaking Records
Johnson, a retired school teacher, made history as the oldest female contestant to win the Final Immunity Challenge and to reach the Final Tribal Council at 56 years old.
The season was filmed in Kenya’s Shaba National Reserve from July 11 to August 18, 2001, and aired that October. Zohn ultimately won the $1,000,000 prize by a jury vote of 5–2.
A Recent Loss
Kim Johnson’s passing comes just three months after the death of another *Survivor* star, Sonja Christopher, who died at 87. Christopher was the first contestant voted off in the series’ inaugural season filmed in Malaysia in May 2000.
Remembering Sonja Christopher
Liz Wilcox, who appeared in the 46th season of *Survivor* and is currently airing, announced Christopher’s passing on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Although she didn’t specify the date or cause of death, she shared a touching screenshot of a FaceTime call with Christopher, who was proudly showing off signatures on her famous ukulele.
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