Dan Kay, a former contestant on Survivor: Gabon, died suddenly on New Year’s Eve at just 40 years old. Watch him in a clip from the show above.
The Brookline, New Hampshire, father of two, who starred on the show in 2008, passed away “unexpectedly,” according to his obituary.
The show’s host, Jeff Probst, took to Twitter to pay his condolences to the grieving family.
“I just heard the very sad news about the sudden loss of Dan Kay of Survivor: Gabon,” he wrote. “The Survivor family sends our love to Dan’s family.”
Kay’s obituary credited him for his zest for life and passion for his family.
“He was known for his hard work, dedication, attention to detail and strong work ethic,” it read. “In his free time, he enjoyed running, skiing, listening to music, and attending Crossway Christian Church. Dan had a smile that could light up a room.”
It continued: “His desire to be challenged and his quest for adventure lead to his participation on the reality show, Survivor.”
Kay is survived by his two young children, his girlfriend and his mother.
“More than anything, Dan cherished the time he spent with his two young children, Reese Elizabeth Kay and Jackson ‘Jax’ Russell-Reid Kay,” the obit said. “Those who knew Dan best, would agree he was a child at heart.”
Kay competed in the 17th season of the CBS reality show, which was eventually won by high school teacher Robert “Rob” Crowley in December 2008.
