‘Survivor: Nicaragua’ Contestant Dan Lembo Dead at 75 From Rare Brain Disease

Survivor: Nicaragua contestant Dan Lembo has passed away at age 75.

Per TMZ, the adventurer died Sept. 3 in his New York home from progressive supranuclear palsy. Lembo’s daughter, Emily Lembo, shared that he was diagnosed with the disease six years ago and it affected his memory, speech, and motor skills.

Mayo Clinic describes progressive supranuclear palsy as a rare, incurable disorder that leads to complications with walking, balance, eye movements, swallowing, and other functions, as a result of cell deterioration in the brain.

Lembo appeared in Season 21 of the reality hit and progressed to the final five before being voted out. At the time, he identified his interests as weight-lifting, softball, and skiing, and worked in real estate.

The former contestant’s obituary reads that he is survived by his sons, Matthew and Michael, daughter-in-laws Emily and Dana, grandchildren Ava, Annabelle, Sailor, James, and Harper, and former spouse Barbara. The tribute describes him as a “charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant” who “loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old.”

Many have taken to Twitter to share their condolences. Writer Mike Bloom shared, “RIP to an enigmatic character from Nicaragua who gave us alligator shoes, giant chairs, an all-time jury speech, and a surprisingly tender family visit.”

“Being dead for two months unbeknownst to the wider community is SUCH a Dan Lembo thing to do,” wrote a fan. “RIP mysterious expensive-footwear king.”

“Man RIP to Dan Lembo. He was one of my favorites from Nicaragua. I absolutely love this picture of him sitting in the giant chair,” penned a third.