Jane Bright, Survivor: Nicaragua fan favorite, dies at 71

Fellow castaways remembered her.

Published on May 16, 2025 12:48AM EDT

Jane Bright on 'Survivor: Nicaragua'. Credit:
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

Jane Bright, who was a cast member of Survivor: Nicaragua in 2010, has died in North Carolina, her daughter announced Thursday on Facebook. She was 71.

"Today Jane Hammett Bright was found passed away within her home by a good friend and county sheriff," Ashley wrote.

'Survivor: Nicaragua' contestant Jane Bright on the first episode.
Monty Brinton/CBS

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to reps for the show.

Hammett, who was described then as a 56-year-old dog trainer, competed on the show's season 21. She finished in sixth place in a cast of 20.

While Bright was still in the reality competition, she made quite the impression with audiences, winning the fan favorite prize voted on by viewers.

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She also spoke with EW about whether it would be tough for her to focus on the show, as her husband had just died. She absolutely didn't.

"Don always wanted me to do this," Bright said. "He knew I was applying throughout the years. And because he's not here? He is here, and I'm gonna tell you what, we've had pictures taken at my house, and I lost him and one of my show dogs about the same time, and their orbs show up in pictures, so I know they're with me, honey."

The competition hadn't quite started, but Bright promised that she would "hang with the workers."

She also showed her sense of humor when she laughed as she told a story about the slip she was wearing under her skirt having fallen out once as she showed a dog.

After her death, Survivor: Ghost Island alum Donathan Hurley shared his reaction to learning about it.

"Lord, I sure did get my heart broken when I opened up Facebook after work!" he wrote. "One of my favorite Survivor family members, as I call them all, has passed away. I loved Jane so much!!! This lady was a firecracker! Always ready to have a good time and a good laugh! RIP Jane."

Two-time Survivor winner Sandra Diaz-Twine also paid tribute, captioning a photo of Bright on show, "Rest in heavenly peace."