Survivor Dies

Caleb Bankston, 'Survivor' Competitor, Dies at 26 in Railway Accident

The "Blood vs. Water" competitor was reportedly working at the time of his death; he was set to wed fellow competitor Colton Cumbie later this year.
Former Survivor competitor Caleb Bankston has died after the train he was on derailed, according to multiple reports.

The 26-year-old worked as a locomotive engineer/conductor on the Alabama Warrior Railway in Birmingham, Ala., and was working at the time of his death Tuesday. It's unclear what caused the accident.

Bankston competed last year on Survivor: Blood vs. Water alongside his fiancé, Colton Cumbie. While returning player Cumbie made some enemies in both appearances on the show, Bankston was well-liked by his fellow competitors and fans as well.

Survivor host and executive producer Jeff Probst issued a statement Wednesday while on location shooting the upcoming season of the CBS reality competition.

"The entire Survivor crew is together in Nicaragua," said. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Caleb. He was one of the most humble and likable contestants we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with on the show. A true gentleman. He will  be missed by so many. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and to his fiancé, Colton."
Bankston's fellow competitor Aras Baskauskas tweeted: "Caleb was an amazing man and friend. One of the sweetest and most sincere humans I've ever come across".

Bankston made it to day 30, or ninth place, before being voted out and becoming a member of the jury. Cumbie had quit the show earlier in the season. In December, Bankson told The Hollywood Reporter he was looking forward to marrying Cumbie in a ceremony planned for Oct. 11 in Connecticut. "I'm really excited about it," he said. "We like the New England coastline, and the leaves are pretty, and fall is our favorite time of the year. It's a country place, so it fits my taste, but it's upscale enough that it fits his too."

That's too bad. I don't watch these shows, so I didn't know him, but losing anyone at a young age is a such a tragedy.

I don't watch this show either. That is such a sad why to die.

That is so sad! I hadn't heard about it. I watch Survivor and remember him well.

I read this the other day and was shocked!  You just never know when your time is going to be up.    

I had watched the clip the other day on the segment they did...the article shared the 'back-scenes' video of Caleb.  He spoke openly about coming out, and said that his mom had a tough time for a couple of weeks, but that she eventually came around and his family has been supportive of him.  What an amazing thing for his parents to see now, that they can watch that and see how appreciative he was of them.  Imagine had they, after his death, watched that clip and saw, "My parents couldn't reconcile themselves with this.  We don't have a relationship now."  You know?? It happens!!  They showed unconditional love and that is a beautiful thing, something they can feel at peace about now that he is gone.

I don't think we really got to know him very well through the show, but I always thought he seemed like a really NICE guy, a very sweet, gentle soul.  Now that I've watched the whole 10 minute clip, I know he was.  May he rest in peace.

Yes, Caleb was always the voice of reason in the relationship. For those Survivor fans, we all know what Colton, his partner, was like. Ha! He kept the show interesting, that's for sure. I hope that he gets through this loss okay. You could tell how much he loved Caleb when they were on the show together. Caleb brought out the best in Colton.

Teresa wrote:

Yes, Caleb was always the voice of reason in the relationship.  For those Survivor fans, we all know what Colton, his partner, was like.  Ha!  He kept the show interesting, that's for sure.  I hope that he gets through this loss okay.  You could tell how much he loved Caleb when they were on the show together.  Caleb brought out the best in Colton.

I completely agree, Teresa. I really hope Colton will be ok...he is not exactly a 'stable' person. He was better because of Caleb. I hope this doesn't put him over the edge.