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Survivor: Africa (2002) runner-up Kim Johnson has passed away at the age of 79. The unfortunate news was confirmed in a statement made to Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE by her children, Wendy, Kerry, and Teddy, adding that their mother died on July 23, 2024.
"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," they told EW.
Kim Johnson was a retired elementary school teacher from Oyster Bay, New York. She rose to fame by competing on season 3 of the CBS reality TV show Survivor. The exact cause and location of her death have not been confirmed at the time of this writing.
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Born in Cleaveland, Ohio, Kim Johnson grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and later moved to New York. She graduated from Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey, with a degree in elementary education. Per her bio, Kim is fluent in sign language and has frequently volunteered for the blind and deaf.
Johnson worked as an elementary school teacher before retiring and later taking up the role of league/tournament coordinator for an indoor tennis club. She also opened a sportswear clothing boutique.
At the time of filming Survivor: Africa, Johnson was 56 years old. According to her bio (for the show), Kim maintained an active lifestyle, adding:
"Johnson enjoys exercising (running, tennis and free weights), camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, golfing, horseback riding, thoroughbred horse racing and playing games of any kind. She describes herself as nutty, logical and determined."
Jeff Probst, who has hosted the show since its premiere in 2000, shared an emotional tribute to Kim Johnson on behalf of the show and CBS's team. Calling her a "pioneer," he added:
"I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other 'older' people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself."
The winner of Survivor: Africa (2002), Ethan Zohn, also mourned his co-contestant in an Instagram post. Along with the post, he shared a montage of Kim through the season along with her fellow competitors.
Johnson made it to the finale, winning the final two immunity challenges and becoming the oldest contestant to achieve that in the history of the show. However, ultimately, she lost to Zohn, 5-2, in a final jury vote.
In his post, Ethan 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!"
Kim Johnson was married to Ted and is survived by her three children.
