In a sad turn of events, Sonja Christopher, the very first contestant to be voted off the island on the reality TV show "Survivor," has died at the age of 87. The official Instagram page of the show confirmed her passing, sharing a heartfelt message from host Jeff Probst.

Probst expressed his admiration for Christopher, describing her as one of the kindest individuals to ever participate in the game. He reminisced about the joy and warmth she exuded during their interactions over the years. A photo of Christopher accompanied Probst's caption, paying tribute to her gentle spirit.

The cause of Sonja Christopher's death has not been disclosed as of now, and no additional comments have been made by "Survivor" or CBS.

News of Christopher's passing surfaced on Friday, April 26, when fellow "Survivor" alumni took to social media to honor her memory. Liz Wilcox, a current contestant on season 46, expressed her admiration for the "legendary" Christopher, describing their meeting on Christmas and the impact "Survivor" had on her life. Wilcox hoped that Christopher was now singing and playing her heart out in a beautiful place.

Christopher made her mark on the inaugural season of "Survivor" in 2000 when she was 63 years old. Despite her short tenure on the show, she became known for boosting tribe morale through her singing and playing the ukulele. In a 2020 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Christopher shared that she had competed on the show three years after surviving breast cancer. She described the difficult circumstances surrounding her appearance and the sense of independence she felt at the time.

When asked about the possibility of ageism playing a role in her early elimination, Christopher admitted to having mixed feelings. She revealed that her physical condition suffered from the challenges, with lingering bruises even years later. However, she acknowledged that she hadn't initially realized how some of her fellow contestants may have perceived her as an "old lady."

Despite her early exit from the show, Christopher remained a devoted fan throughout the years. In a video shared on social media in 2017, she expressed her commitment to watching every episode of "Survivor" for the past 17 years. Christopher playfully stated that she intended to continue watching for another 17 years, until she could happily "hike off to the giant Tribal Council in the sky" - hoping she wouldn't be voted off this time.

Sonja Christopher's legacy as the pioneering contestant of "Survivor" will be remembered by fans and fellow competitors alike. Her inspiring journey, post-cancer resilience, and unwavering dedication to the show will serve as a reminder of the impact reality television can have on individuals' lives. She leaves behind a lasting impression on the "Survivor" community and will be greatly missed.