'Survivor' contestant Keith Nale dies at 62, family says
KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Two-time "Survivor" contestant and Louisiana native Keith Nale died Tuesday after a battle with cancer, multiple entertainment outlets reported Wednesday.
TMZ reported the 62-year-old died in his home in Keithville, Louisiana. Nale's wife Dana said it was unclear what type of cancer he had.
His son Wes, who confirmed the death to Entertainment Tonight, said his father had been sick "for the past few months."
The father-and-son duo appeared on 2014's "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," which was themed around loved ones competing together. Keith Nale he reached the final four before being voted off.
In 2015, Nale made a comeback for "Survivor: Cambodia," where he also made it far, but didn't secure the win.
Nale, a firefighter, was a fan favorite during his two seasons on the show.
Fellow "Survivor" contestant Stephen Fishbach offered his condolences on Twitter, saying he was "devastated" to hear the news.
"Hard to think of a purer spirit on Survivor," Fishbach wrote. "He was always a delight, had great humor, told hilarious stories and found so much joy in life. We were never once aligned but he couldn’t have been nicer. He taught me to pluck a chicken."
Another contestant, Kelley Wentworth, said Nale was "a man with the purest heart."
"Survivor" is currently airing its 44th season.