‘Survivor’ contestant Caleb Bankston dies in railroad accident; past alum react

These are the stories that are the hardest to write, given the world is losing someone very young and in a very sad way. According to People Magazine, former “Survivor” contestant Caleb Bankston died in a railway accident on Monday when his train was derailed. He was 26 years old. Caleb worked for the Alabama Warrior Railway, but was known by many as Colton Cumbie’s fiance who made it fairly far into the game on “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” last year.

We’re not going to sit here and say that we knew Caleb particularly well or at all, but we talked to him for around ten minutes during the press tour after he was voted off last year and he came across as a very nice, strong, humble guy who supported his fiance through some hard times following his appearances on the show. He and Colton clearly loved each other, and even talked about their future on the show.

Since the news broke about Caleb’s passing, some of his other former “Survivor” contestants have come out with their sympathies. Colton has yet to speak out on the subject, but he has switched his Twitter account to private.

Aras Baskauskas (per People Magazine) – “Caleb was an amazing man and friend. 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.”

Tyson Apostol – “Today the world lost one of the kindest most chill dudes ever to grace this earth. Caleb, we love and miss you.”

Vytas Baskauskas – “You will be missed @CalebOndus; one of the most kind, loving and authentic people I’ve ever met. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”

Marty Piombo – “Condolences to Caleb Bankston’s family. The Survivor community feels your loss….hope and prayers with you.”

Given that this news broke basically overnight, there are probably going to be many more people from the show who start to find out about it throughout the day. Bankston is the third former castaway to pass away; “Survivor: Palau” contestant Jenn Lyon passed away following a cancer battle in 2010, and original cast member B.B. Andersen lost his own battle to cancer in 2013.

Our thoughts are with Colton, who loved Caleb and supported him in everything, and his family at this time.

Photo: CBS