Survivor: Redemption Island’s Ralph Kiser has died aged 56 following a heart attack.
The farmer, who hailed from Virginia, United States, applied for the show a number of times before landing a spot on season 22, which aired in 2010.
News of his death was announced by Survivor superfan Michael Allbright, who wrote on Facebook: ‘I have some unfortunate news for the Survivor community.
‘Ralph Kiser passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack this morning. His brother Gilbert messaged me this morning to let the Survivor community know.’
Kiser came 9th on his series of Survivor: Redemption Island and lasted until day 33.
Explaining why he wanted to appear on the programme, he said: ‘I’m an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say.’
Kiser also named his farm as his inspiration. ‘I’ve been at it all my life,’ he said. ‘I’m always amazed at my animals — how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go ’round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.’
Tributes have been flooding in for the late star, with one writing: ‘It’s tough to dim the lights on #Survivor day, but it seems that the alumni family has lost another member today: Ralph Kiser from Redemption Island. R.I.P. to one of the few lights in a very dark season, who provided 33 days of accidental idol finding, rooster crowing & more.’
‘Ralph Kiser will be missed,’ another penned. ‘Redemption Island was my first season, and he was one of the best parts of it. RIP Good Sir.’
‘R.I.P Ralph Kiser, a good man who played with honor and dignity in a season somewhat devoid of those qualities, may he be remembered for bringing us laughs whenever he graced our screens with his presence,’ a third said.
