CBS 'Survivor' crew member Vince Costello dies at 61 after nearly a decade on reality show

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Survivor' Season 49 ended its opening episode on a somber note with a heartfelt dedication to Vince Costello, a longtime member of the production team who recently passed away. The memorial card read, “In loving memory of Vince Costello, forever in our hearts.”

Costello, 61, worked as a location manager on the series from 2016 through 2025, contributing nearly a decade of service. While the exact date and circumstances of his death remain unclear, reports suggest he passed shortly after completing work on 'Survivor' Season 50. No official cause of death has been released.

Who was Vince Costello?

Vincent Costello joined the 'Survivor' family a decade ago, becoming the locations manager when the show moved to Fiji. A native Fijian, Costello brought invaluable local expertise, scouting and securing filming sites across the Mamanuca Islands, home to the series since 2016.

'Survivor' soon became a family affair for the Costellos. Vincent’s daughter, Aline, joined the team as a locations assistant, while his son, Patrick, contributed as a camera operator. In an interview with People, Costello spoke fondly of his time on the show, praising its respect for Fijian culture and people.

"Fiji is very much into culture and into respect, and it's been great working for 'Survivor' in that respect. From every single Fijian citizen on this job and for all the citizens of our little country, we've been very grateful," he said.

Aline began her 'Survivor' journey as part of the show’s 'Dream Team,' often considered an internship for aspiring crew members. She later joined her father’s team as a Locations Assistant. She admitted she initially had reservations about working so closely with family but quickly found the dynamic positive.

“We work really well together,” she said. “We’re a very tight family, so I feel like if anyone could do it, it would be us. It’s been good.”

Costello worked on nearly 50 productions before joining 'Survivor,' a role he described as life-changing. His journey with the show began in 2016 with 'Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X' (Season 33).

GoFundMe campaign supported Vince Costello’s health

Earlier this year, 'Survivor' executive producer Jesse Jensen launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Vince Costello after he was diagnosed with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. Costello passed shortly after completing production on Season 50.

In a heartfelt update posted on July 28, when the fundraiser was officially closed at Costello’s request, Jensen wrote, "Hello all, once again thanks so much for all the love you have sent to Vince and his family. Vince was truly touched and humbled by the support and wanted me to pass on a huge vinaka vakalevu from him and the whole family. He couldn’t thank you enough; it has meant the world to them."

Given the crucial role Costello played in shaping so many seasons of 'Survivor,' CBS and the show’s producers honored his legacy with a dedication in the Season 49 premiere.