According to reports, Africa’s runner-up has died at the age of 79

Kim Johnson, a retired elementary school teacher who finished second on “Survivor: Africa” ​​in 2002, has reportedly died. She was 79.

Their children – Wendy, Kerry and Teddy – confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly and People on Monday.

“Our mother leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity. She wore her rose-colored glasses until the end,” they said in a statement to the outlets. “She was the coolest mother and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever.”

Jeff Probst, executive producer and host of the American “Survivor” series, paid tribute to Johnson in an Instagram post.

“Kim was a pioneer on Survivor and we are deeply saddened to learn of her passing. She still holds the record as the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge, earned her place in the final two and even received votes to win the game,” he wrote. “I remember how inspiring she was to other ‘older’ people even then at just 56, showing that age is just a number and that you can surprise yourself if you’re willing to take the risk of failure.”

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