French 'Survivor' Show Experiences Two Deaths
by Shannon Keirnan
Tragedy in double, as the doctor overseeing contestants on the French version of “Survivor” (“Koh-Lanta”) commits suicide following the death of one of the stars.
Dr. Thierry Costa, 38, killed himself on an island in Cambodia, blaming the press for damaging his reputation in the suicide note left behind.
March 22nd, 25-year-old contestant Gerald Babin died during the first day of shooting for the 2013 season. Costa treated Babin for cramping he experienced during a challenge, but Babin died of a heart attack in the hospital soon after.
Though the network which airs the show, TF1, will not release details of the challenge that sparked this unexpected death, but French media says it was a simple tug-of-war. On the show, which has aired 15 seasons, contenders often compete in physical challenges to win food and other prizes.
After Babin’s death, an investigation of “involuntary homicide” was launched, and the show’s season was cancelled.
"These last few days my name has been smeared in the media. Unjust accusations and assumptions were uttered against me," Costa hand-wrote in his letter. "Having to rebuild this destroyed reputation seems unbearable to me, so this is my only possible choice."
In his suicide note, Costa's asked to be cremated in Cambodia so that his body would never re-enter France.
The TF1 network said in a statement that it "shares the pain" of Costa's family.
"This tragic event must push those who irresponsibly accused and commented to come out and take responsibility," the company said in a statement.