The "Survivor" family is in mourning today after the unexpected death of Season 17 competitor Dan Kay. According to an obituary from a local funeral home, the Brookline, N.H., resident died unexpectedly on December 31, 2016. The cause of death was not disclosed. He was 40.

In the fall of 2008, Kay was the eighth survivor voted out of "Survivor: Gabon," the season won by Maine high school physics teacher Bob Crowley.

"Survivor" host Jeff Probst reacted to Kay's death:

Kay is survived by two children, plus his girlfriend, mother, and sister. A funeral will be held in Manchester, N.H. on Saturday.

Kay's obituary on Legacy.com shares the story of a full life cut short:

"After graduating from Walpole High School, he earned a bachelor's degree from UMass-Amherst and a law degree from Syracuse University. Dan worked as an attorney. In that position he was employed as a Supervisory Contracting Officer as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base. He was a member of the National Contract Management Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association. He was known for his hard work, dedication, attention to detail and strong work ethic.

In his free time, he enjoyed running, skiing, listening to music, and attending Crossway Christian Church. Dan had a smile that could light up a room. His desire to be challenged and his quest for adventure lead to his participation on the reality show, 'Survivor.' He also successfully skied Tuckerman's Ravine and completed his first half marathon. More than anything, Dan cherished the time he spent with his two young children, Reese Elizabeth Kay and Jackson 'Jax' Russell-Reid Kay. Those who knew Dan best, would agree he was a child at heart.

Although the time he had with his children was cut much too short, he leaves them with numerous memories of times filled with fun and laughter, including those enjoyed at his favorite place, Sawyer Lake in Gilmanton, NH. He was a man who truly believed, "the secret to having it all is knowing you already do.'"

Here's Kay's "Survivor: Gabon" intro video: According to People, Dan Kay is the fourth "Survivor" alumni to pass away since the show premiered in 2000: In 2010, Jenn Lyon, who placed fourth on "Survivor: Palau," died after a six-year battle with breast cancer. Original "Survivor" contestant BB Andersen died of brain cancer in 2013 at age 77. In 2014, 26-year-old "Blood vs. Water" contestant Caleb Bankston was killed in a railway accident.

"Survivor" is now approaching its 34th season, called "Survivor: Game Changers," and it premieres March 8 on CBS.

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