Sonja Christopher, remembered as a pioneer on “Survivor: Borneo,” made her mark on reality TV at the age of 63. Although the first contestant voted off, her presence left a lasting impression, celebrated through heartfelt tributes from host Jeff Probst and contestant Rob Cesternino. Probst admired her kindness, while Cesternino highlighted her trailblazing role with a symbolic ukulele emoji.

Sonja, who passed away earlier this year at 87, remained a dedicated fan of the show, never missing an episode in 17 years. Her journey to “Survivor” started from a newspaper ad, leading her into an unexpected adventure. Despite personal challenges, including a battle with breast cancer faced alone, her resilience and pioneering spirit continue to inspire “Survivor” fans and future contestants, cementing her legacy as a beacon of courage and determination.