'Survivor' contestant Ralph Kiser dead at 56: 'He was bigger than life'

Ralph Kiser, a contestant on Survivor, has died at 56.

'Survivor' contestant Ralph Kiser dead at 56: 'He was bigger than life'

Kiser's longtime girlfriend claimed that he had suffered a fatal heart attack Wednesday.

Ralph Kiser, a former "Survivor" contestant, has passed away. He was 56.

Kiser's long-time girlfriend LaVonda, confirmed to Fox News Digital that he had a fatal heart attack Wednesday morning.

Kiser, a farmer in Lebanon, Virginia, was featured on "Survivor: Redemption Island", Season 22 in 2011. He placed eighth in the contest.

Wood worked with the "love-of-her life" at the Clinch Mountain Small Animal Auction, his hometown, and remembered Kiser as someone who "loved everyone."

"I loved him. He is my best friend. He was a force to reckon with. He was larger than life. Wood shared that he consumed the entire room.

He smiled and loved everyone. He loved children and older people, and he was a wonderful person. He was like Dr. Doolittle; he was an animal whisperer. He was simply amazing."

Wood said that Clinch Mountain Small Animal Auction was his childhood goal. She said that he died on the farm where he was born.

"We did it together. Wood stated that he couldn't have done the business without her and that she couldn't have done so without him. She also said that she was "so proud" to see him achieve his dreams.

"The Survivor Family extends our deepest condolences for Ralph Kiser's family," Jeff Probst, host of "Survivor," said in a Twitter statement. His infectious rooster crow, his smile and positive attitude made him one the most likable Survivor players."

Kiser was a fan favorite on "Survivor" during Season 22.

In an interview with People magazine, he described the CBS experience as "the best time of my life", shortly after his departure.

"It was a dream come real for a man such as me to be in Nicaragua playing a game that would be broadcast on television. It's amazing what happens to people. Never, that's when. He said that he would do it over and over again.

Mike Bloom, host of "Survivor", posted an online response to the news that he had died.

"It's hard to dim the lights on #Survivor Day, but it seems like the alumni family has lost a member today: Ralph Kiser of Redemption Island. R.I.P. R.I.P.

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