Entertainment

'Survivor' Contestant Caleb Bankston is Dead

by Mallory Schlossberg

This is some very sad news. Survivor: Blood vs. Water contestant Caleb Bankston passed away on Tuesday, June 24. He died in a terrible railway accident after a train derailed. Bankston, who worked for the Alabama Warrior Railway, was only 26 years old. Bankston, who had finished in ninth place on the reality show last year, had been engaged to his fellow contestant Colbie Cumbie, who had sparked some controversy for some racist comments when he was on Survivor: One World.

It seems that his memory will carry on, as other former castaways are commemorating Bankston. Candice Cody, who had competed against Bankston on Survivor, paid her respects to both the late Bankston and to Cumbie via Twitter. She wrote:

Rest in peace sweet angel, @CalebOndus. @JPCodyMD's and my thoughts are with you and your family, @ColtonCumbie.

Other former Survivor contestants have expressed their shock and sadness regarding Bankston's death. Contestant Aras Baskauskas told People:

[He was] one of the sweetest and most sincere humans I've ever come across. I am gutted by his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Sabrina Thompson, who competed on One World with Cumbie, said:

While playing Survivor with Colton, he would talk about his boyfriend, Caleb, around the clock 24/7. Within seconds of meeting Caleb at the finale and Survivor events, it's no wonder why he raved about him. You were instantly drawn to his big smile, warm spirit and Southern charm. May God rest his soul ;…] gone too soon.

There is no doubt that even though he passed away at a tragically young age, Bankston will be fondly remembered.

Image: Twitter