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1953 - 2025
1953 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
1953
2025
Jane Bright, a fan favorite from the reality show "Survivor: Nicaragua," died May 15, 2025, at her home in Jackson Springs, North Carolina.?
Bright was a 56-year-old dog trainer from North Carolina when she joined the 21st season of the reality show "Survivor," this time dubbed "Survivor: Nicaragua." Her husband had recently died when she was thrust into competing with 19 others in the long-running reality show. It was her 10th attempt to get on the show, and she made the most of it, proving to be a fierce competitor during challenges. Bright quickly became a fan favorite, finishing sixth in the competition but winning fan polls as viewers' favorite contestant of the season. After the show, she returned to her dog training business in North Carolina.
Fans, family, and reality show co-stars shared their memories of Bright on social media. "Tougher than a $2 steak! Jane Hammett Bright is one of the most incredible Survivors I've ever met," fellow contestant Jonny Fairplay said on Facebook. "She knew when I first saw her, she wouldn't be my cup of tea. But I realized pretty quickly she represented every southern woman that helped raise me and make me the person I am. There's never been a more resolute player in the history of the game. And there's never been more of a friend that if you ever called them that would always be there! Love you Jane, the Survivor community has lost one of the best."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images)
24 Entries
Darlene
August 9, 2025
To the family, many, many friends, and colleagues of Ms. Jane Bright fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Ms. Jane Bright, a fan favorite from the reality show "Survivor: Nicaragua". May the love and the special memory you shared and cherish with her show just how much your life was touched by her. We hope many of the encouraging words and thoughts on this site comforts you during this difficult time also. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. May family, friends and extended family find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together and cherish her memories.
Margaret Dailey
July 22, 2025
I just found out about Jane's passing from the ASSA Bulletin Board. I am so sorry, I send my sympathy to her family. In July, 2018 I purchased a cryptic blue Sheltie 9-month old puppy from Jane. I can't say how much I appreciate the love, kindness, and training that Jane gave her Shelties. I watched Jane in the show ring many times, admired her handling skills and the beautiful dogs she had. Margaret (Missy) Dailey
Penny Bodenhamer
June 26, 2025
Jane,
You were one of the strongest women i have ever known. There was never a single thing you wldnt try and always willing to get your hands dirty, giving it your all. You and Don were such great friends and Loved my Candis as much as I did. You took her with yall on every vacation you took for years. Her and Ashley were 2 peas in a pod. When I moved out of town we didn't get to visit as before but you have never left my mind, heart or soul and I am forever greatful for the years of memories you were one of a kind! I know you are at peace and back with Don and your loved ones, but life here will never be the same. Rest easy my friend and I will see you on the other side.
Robin Davis
June 2, 2025
I'm so sry to here this I loved watching her her on survivor she was sweet and very smart... My prayers and condolences go out to the family
Heather Renee
May 29, 2025
I'm so sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman. Though I didn't know Jane personally, I, like so many others, got to know her through her time on Survivor. Jane's unmatchable charisma, character, attitude, personality, and never-give-up outlook on life made her one of the most memorable players in reality show history. She was such an inspiration to so many people!! You will be missed, Jane, but never forgotten.
DR
May 28, 2025
Condolences to Jane family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May the fond memories of your dear loved one always be remembered.
Natasha Stanley
May 24, 2025
Jane was a driving force in the Moore County Kennel Club. She innovated the shows and was a friend to us all. Her participation in Survivor was a magical feat. Natasha Stanley Moore County Kennel Club member.
Brigitte Swan
May 22, 2025
Dear Ashley and family. I grieve over the loss of my dear friend Jane, your mom. My condolences go out to you.
Brigitte Sean
Shawn McCullough
May 21, 2025
I meant Jane thru her business franchise called Sniffspot. Com. She allowed dogs to come to her property at reserved times and I had 2 boxers. She was so smart, full of stories and helped to train my dogs with bits of advice and suggestions. I met her 4 times and each time she was willing to talk and discuss life. I was at her property with my dogs a week before she died. She was a woman who loved life and helped so many.
May she be with all her beloved souls both family and pets. My deepest sympathies to her daughter and family and friends who loved her.
Carson Loveless
May 20, 2025
Condolences to her family
Cathy Anderson
May 20, 2025
Jane, You were truly a fan favorite! Loved watching you so much that I had to go back and watch it again! And you being from N.C. didn't hurt eather!
RIP JANE
JK
May 19, 2025
She was a great friend to many and her smile could light up a room. She was always so kind and supportive, I will never forget her. She was there for me when I needed her the most. I´m blessed to have known her and honored to be her friend. May God continue to bless and protect her family and friends. May Jane rest in peace with God by her side. She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Sherry
May 19, 2025
Oh Jane I just cannot believe this!! You will truly be missed!!
Matthew Tranphuoc
May 18, 2025
I'm so shocked about the passing on my dear friend of Survivor Jane Bright. I want to say thank you for seeing me at Wet n Wild Emerald Pointe back in 2013. I had a lot fun getting to know you. God bless you in heaven!!
Carl Bilancione
May 18, 2025
I was shocked & saddened to hear that Jane had passed. She had contacted me on May 7 to join me on one of my photographic journeys. She was full of life and a joy to be around. I´m proud that we are part of the Survivor family. May she rest in peace & my prays are with her family & friends.
Brigitte Swan
May 18, 2025
I met you and your husband when I visited to buy a puppy. We clicked right away and I would visit from time to time to help around the kennel and my husband baled hay. After both our husbands passed away, you invited me many times to pass some of the winters with you. I always thought there would be time, but time ran out. I miss you already. Until we see each other again, I will be thinking of you and your beautiful shelties. Brigitte Swan
Tony Spirito
May 18, 2025
Donna Richards Carolina Lure Coursing Society
May 17, 2025
What a wonderful lady! We will miss her!
Brent Hellebra d
May 17, 2025
My dearest friend since 2nd grade. We were best friends from 2nd grade all the way thru college. How many nights I spent at their house on Montgomery street in gaffney sc. She was the most amazing dog trainer ever! I last talked to her after she competed in Survivor. Tough was not the word to describe her, AMAZING was. She and I were college cheerleaders together. She taught me how to water ski and how to use a tampon the first time. All the beach trips, games in Columbia sc cheering on the Gamecocks, Disney in Florida. The list is too long to mention. I just know our friendship was over 60yrs old. I feel like someone punched me in the stomach. Jane my friend you were the best friend I ever had. Fly high my friend. I miss u....Brent Hellebrand
Mr. Jr.
May 17, 2025
My condolences to the family of Jane, for your loss.
TERRY BENJAMIN
May 16, 2025
My deepest condolences to her daughter. I fell in love with her spunk, courage and heart on Survivor, and rooted for her to win. Sounds like she deserved it. RIP Jane
Helen Rofus
May 16, 2025
My sincere and deepest condolences to Jane's family and friends she may be gone but never forgotten especially her season of Survivor May her light shine as bright as the Moon gone but not forgotten
sherry darwin
May 16, 2025
To her family and friends, so sorry to hear of Jane's passing, may God bless all and prayers for the family and friends.
Francesca Lee
May 16, 2025
Jane, you gave my son and I our proudest moment in showing. You taught me a lot through all the decades I knew you. I just can´t believe you are gone.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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