Former “Survivor” contestant Clay Jordan, who placed second on the hit CBS reality show’s fifth season, died Thursday, his family wrote on social media. He was 66 years old.
Jordan died in Monroe, Louisiana, just months after the death of his wife, Linda Sue Jordan, on February 17, according to the Monroe News-Star newspaper.
“Daddy’s darling Clay Brooks Jordan went to heaven to meet Jesus and find his beautiful wife!” his daughter, Shanda Jordan, wrote on Facebook.
“[Her brother] Andy and I are heartbroken, but comforted to know they are together and he is no longer in pain. We love you dad! You will forever be my HERO!” she added.
No official cause of death was given, but People reports he died “after a short illness.”
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Jordan, who owned two restaurants in Monroe and also worked as a salesman in the oil and gas industry, lost the coveted title of Sole Survivor — and the million-dollar check that comes with it — nearly 20 years ago. years, after losing to fellow contestant Briand Keidik in a 4-3 jury vote.
He was one of sixteen castaways dropped off on the island of Ko Tarutao in Thailand in the summer of 2002. The show aired from September 19 to December 19 of the same year.
“It was a crazy experience,” Jordan told People at the time. “Who would have ever thought that someone like me would run on the beach in Thailand? I feel very lucky to have had the experience, and would do it again!”
His son Andrew said Jordan was a devoted and loving husband who will be remembered for his generous soul.
“He loved helping people in need,” he told the Monroe News-Star. “If you were in pain, he wanted to help you.”