‘Survivor: Gabon’ contestant Dan Kay dies unexpectedly; Jeff Probst tweets condolences

Former “Survivor: Gabon” contestant Dan Kay, 40, father of two, died unexpectedly on New Year’s Eve. The show’s host Jeff Probst has tweeted condolences after hearing the sad news.

The New Hampshire attorney’s death was unexpected, according to his obituary. However, the Brookline police are not investigating the death for foul play.

Kay is survived by his two children Reese Elizabeth Kay as well as Jackson 'Jax' Russell-Reid Kay. He is also survived by his girlfriend Jennifer DePietro, mother, sister and two nieces. He was a devout Christian who had a "Carpe Diem" tattoo. He held a bachelor's degree from UMass-Amherst, and also a law degree from Syracuse University.

The show’s longtime host Probst shared his condolences on Twitter. The show’s second runner-up Jessica “Sugar” Kiper also took to Facebook to say that her thoughts were with his family.

Another contestant from the show Gillian Larson also posted her condolences on Twitter.

Kay was part of “Survivor: Gabon” season 17. He lasted on the CBS show for 21 days before being voted out in 2008. During the show, Lay used to describe himself as an athletic kid growing up.

“In his free time, he enjoyed running, skiing, listening to music, and attending Crossway Christian Church. Dan had a smile that could light up a room. His desire to be challenged and his quest for adventure lead to his participation on the reality show, Survivor,” reads his obituary.

He worked as an attorney and was employed as Supervisory Contracting Officer for the US Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base. Furthermore, he was a member of National Contract Management Association as well as Massachusetts Bar Association.

Dan Kay’s Kay's funeral will be held on Saturday at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory in Manchester.