Jennifer Lyon, a contestant on the tenth season of CBS’ long-running reality drama Survivor, has passed away after lengthy battle against breast cancer. She was 37.
The reality star passed away at her home in Oregon on Tuesday night, according to her rep. Lyon, who finished fourth on Survivor: Palau in 2005, was diagnosed with the disease in 2005, and later underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
“I was completely shocked and overwhelmed,” Lyon told Us Weekly at the time. “I felt fine that day; in fact, I’ve been healthy my entire life.”
Austin Carty, an ex-Survivor: Panama star, dated Jennifer in 2006. He recalled her fondly when speaking to Us on Wednesday : “Jen was a genuinely selfless, sweet-natured person. She always had a smile. She cared about every person.”
Two-time contestant Eliza Orlins said via Twitter: “Jenn Lyon brought more good to this world in her almost 38 years than most will in a lifetime. Jenn, I’ll miss you. R.I.P.”