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'This is so devastating': Two-time 'Survivor' contestant Keith Nale dies at 62

Nale competed on 'Survivor: San Juan del Sur', the show's 29th season, and on 'Survivor: Cambodia - Second Chance', the show's 31st season

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Keith Nale, a beloved fan-favorite who appeared on two seasons of 'Survivor', has died at the age of 62. He first competed on 'Survivor: San Juan del Sur', the show's 29th season, which aired in 2014. He later returned to compete on 'Survivor: Cambodia - Second Chance', the show's 31st season, which aired in 2015.

Prior to appearing on 'Survivor', Nale worked as a fire captain and paramedic for the city of Shreveport. During his first season, Nale quickly became known for his blunt honesty and his ability to catch fish for his tribe. He formed a tight alliance with fellow contestant Wes Nale, who is also his son, and the two of them made it to the final six before Nale was ultimately voted out.

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How did Keith Nale die?

Nale's son Wes confirmed the tragic news to ET. "He passed away this afternoon. He’d been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out about it in January," his son told the outlet. "A life taken way too soon!" his brother Kevin Nale added.

Nale's former co-star Kelley Wentworth also confirmed the news on Twitter. "Keith – a man with the purest heart, who brought humor into moments where it was needed most," Wentworth wrote on Tuesday, adding, "I’m grateful I had the opportunity to meet Keith & share memories together on the beaches of Nicaragua & Cambodia. My heart is with the entire Nale family. This is a devastating loss."

'This news genuinely made me very sad'

Fans were heartbroken by the devastating news. One person wrote, "I’ll never forget my 9 year old self making everyone in my family vote for Keith to make it onto second chance and being soo excited to see him on again. This is so devastating."

Another said, "He was one of my favorites to watch on both seasons he played on. For sure to me a guy who deserved to win that never did. He always had me laughing when I saw him and just seeing how genuine he was always came through the tv screen."

One heartbroken fan tweeted, "Man, this news genuinely made me very sad. R.I.P Keith Nale. He was always himself and he brought me so many smiles and lots of laughter just from watching him on TV. Truly a joy and gone too soon. Thoughts are with the Nale family."

One said, "Rest in Peace, Keith. Such a terrible loss for the Survivor Community. Prayers for the Family and the Survivor Community," while another added, "One of the all time greats gone far too soon. My condolences to all that loved him."

Since appearing on 'Survivor', Nale had continued to work as a fire captain and paramedic in Shreveport. He was also involved in the 'Survivor' community, attending fan events and interacting with fans on social media.

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