'Survivor: Redemption Island' Contestant Ralph Kiser Dead At 56

'Survivor: Redemption Island' contestant RalphKiser passed away today at the age of 56. According to his brother, Gilbert, Ralph passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from a heart attack. Ralph had competed in the 22nd season of “Survivor.”

The news was shared on Facebook by Michael Allbright, the Vice President for Student Affairs at Wilmington College in Ohio. Allbright is highly involved in the online “Survivor” community.

On Wednesday morning, Allbright took to Facebook to inform the “Survivor” community of the tragic loss.

“I have some unfortunate news for the Survivor community,” All bright began. “Ralph Kiser passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack this morning. His brother Gilbert messaged me this morning to let the Survivor community know.”

“Ralph was on Redemption Island, was one of the key players from Zapatera, found an idol, targeted Russell Hantz, wasn't mesmerized by Boston Rob like many on Redemption Island, and even voted for Phillip Sheppard to win the game,” he continued.

“It was really fun to meet Ralph and his family at the Redemption Island finale, and then later at a few charity events,” he added. “If you have fond memories of Ralph please post them. I have no idea about funeral arrangements or anything, but if there is an update I will pass that on.”

According to Heavy, Ralph was born on October 27, 1965, and competed on the 22nd season of “Survivor” when he was 44-years-old. H was a member of the Zapatera tribe and was a victim of a “Pagonging,” which is the systemic elimination of an opposing tribe, by members of the Ometepe, led by “Boston Rob” Marino.

The Virginia native placed 8th on the show and was the second-to-last man left standing in the Zapatera tribe. Ralph was said to be known for his “colorful” personality and had a penchant for misspelling contestant names.

In his CBS bio, Ralph said that he was “inspired by my farm; I've been at it all my life. 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.”

He listed his hobbies as hunting, hiking, and traveling, and said that his claim to fame was being completely debt-free by ag 44. He wrote, “ No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.”

Ralph described himself as “determined, strong-willed, and stubborn.” When asked why he wanted to be on the show, Ralph answered, “I've wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I'd get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!”

He believed he would win the show because “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!” He added, “I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food, and be the leader.”

On Twitter, writer and "Survivor" podcaster Mike Bloom expressed his condolences for Kiser's passing.

He tweeted, "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❤️ pic."

Many fans took to the comments of both posts to express their condolences for Kiser's passing, calling the news "very upsetting."

Survivor Birthdays tweeted, "While this is usually an account to wish Happy birthday to #Survivor contestants, I wanted to give my deepest sympathies to Ralph Kiser's family and friends on his passing. Ralph was a fun and entertaining castaway on Survivor Redemption Island and he will be missed! RIP Ralph."