Dan Kay, a former contestant on Survivor: Gabon, died unexpectedly on Dec. 31, 2016, at the age of 40. His death shocked and saddened the Survivor community, as well as his family and friends. But what was the cause of his death? And how did he live his life before and after his appearance on the popular reality show? Here is what we know so far.
A Lawyer Turned Adventurer
Dan Kay was born in 1976 in Brookline, New Hampshire. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass-Amherst and a law degree from Syracuse University. He practiced law in Boston for five years and used his money to purchase several investment properties. However, he was not happy with his career and decided to make a change in his early 30s. He left his job and sold his investments before competing on Survivor: Gabon in 2008.
According to his obituary, he had a “desire to be challenged and his quest for adventure” that led him to participate on the reality show. He was 32 when he competed on the show, which aired in the fall of 2008. As he introduced himself to fellow castaways, Kay said, “Hi I’m Dan. I was an attorney for five years and I am currently finding myself.” He lasted 21 days before being voted out after other contestants were concerned that he had a hidden immunity idol.
A Devoted Father and Christian
After his Survivor experience, Kay returned to New Hampshire and focused on his family and faith. He had two young children, Reese Elizabeth and Jackson “Jax” Russell-Reid, as well as a girlfriend, Jennifer DePietro. His obituary described his hobbies as “running, skiing, listening to music, and attending Crossway Christian Church.” He was also involved in several charitable causes, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics.
Ron Kastens, lead pastor at Crossway Christian Church, told Heavy that Kay was “a very kind man and he was a kid at heart.” He added that Kay “was extremely kind and had a huge heart for people” and that he “found a peace in his pursuit of faith.” Kastens also said that Kay was humble and passionate about helping others.
An Unsolved Mystery
The cause of Kay’s untimely and sudden death remains unknown. His obituary only stated that he died unexpectedly on December 31, 2016. The funeral home that handled his arrangements declined to comment on the cause of death, citing privacy concerns. His girlfriend also told RadarOnline that they were not releasing how he passed at this time.
The medical examiner and coroner in the state where Kay lived had no record of his death. Kim Fallon, chief forensic investigator in New Hampshire, told Heavy that his death was not reported to them and that she did not think he died in New Hampshire. The Massachusetts Medical Examiner also had no record of Kay’s death.
Survivor host and executive producer Jeff Probst tweeted his condolences on January 3, 2017, after news of Kay’s death broke. He said that Kay’s loss was “sudden” and that he sent the love of the “Survivor family” to Kay’s family. Former Survivor contestants also took to social media to express their shock and sorrow at Kay’s sudden death.
Kay is the fourth Survivor alumni to pass away since the show premiered. In 2010, Jenn Lyon, who placed fourth on Survivor: Palau, died after a six-year battle with breast cancer. In 2013, original Survivor contestant BB Andersen died of brain cancer at age 77. In 2014, 26-year-old Blood vs. Water contestant Caleb Bankston was killed in a railway accident.
Dan Kay is survived by his two children, his girlfriend, his mother Jean-Ann, and his sister Andrea. He is remembered as a loving father, a faithful Christian, and an adventurous spirit. His death remains a mystery that may never be solved.
