Kim Johnson, 'Survivor: Africa' Runner-Up, Dead at 79

Kim Johnson has died. Kerry Johnson Tichi, the Survivor: Africa alum's daughter, confirmed the news on July 29. Johnson was 79.

"Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity," Tichi told People in a statement. "She wore her rose colorized glasses right up until the end. She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever."

The mom of three was the runner-up on the 2001 season of Survivor . Johnson finished the competition behind Ethan Zohn, who penned an Instagram tribute to her in the wake of her death.

"Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you," Zohn captioned a video montage of clips from their Survivor season. "I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!"

Survivor host Jeff Probst also paid tribute to Johnson, calling her "a pioneer" in his Instagram post.

"She still holds the record for 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 even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other 'older' people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself."

"She definitely left her mark on the game and on all of us who were lucky enough to work on that season and tell her story," Probst concluded his message, which was signed, "Jeff Probst and the entire Survivor & CBS team."

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Johnson grew up in Maryland and lived throughout the Northeast during her life, according to her Survivor bio . She was a retired elementary school teacher who later worked atan indoor tennis club and owned a sportswear clothing boutique. Fluent in sign language, Johnson enjoyed exercising, camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, golfing and horseback riding.

At the time her bio was written, Johnson had been married to her husband, Ted, for 37 years. They shared three children --Wendy, Kerry and Ted, Jr. -- as well as several grandchildren.

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