Tonight'stwo-hour premiere ofSurvivor 49kicked off a new season of the reality competition show on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
It also highlighted a beloved member of the crew who had spent nearly the last 10 years working behind the scenes: Vince Costello.
Survivor 49's premiere ended with a card reading, "In loving memory of Vince Costello, forever in our hearts."
Vince, 61, had beenSurvivor'sLocation Manager since the beginning of its long-term stay in Fiji back in 2016 with the production of season 33,Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X. A native Fijian, he worked to scout out the best spots on the island forSurvivorto set up camps, challenges, Tribal Council, and more.
In a recentPeoplearticle spotlighting the families that work together behind the scenes to makeSurvivorhappen, it was announced that Vince passed away shortly after the filming ofSurvivor 50. But his legacy on the show won't end any time soon as his daughter Aline Costello, 28, and son Patrick Costello, 21, both work for the production as well.
After growing up on set, Patrick convinced his dad to let him learn from the best—instead of going to university—by joining theSurvivorcamera crew after working in post-production for two years. Aline on the other hand joined theSurvivorDream Team before taking on the role of Locations Assistant, working beside her dad, full-time.
"From every single Fijian citizen on this job and for all the citizens of our little country, we've been very grateful [for Survivor]," Vince told People on location in Fiji during the filming ofSurvivor 50.
With a show as long-running asSurvivor, with an expansive cast and crew over the last 25 years, Vince isn't the first dedication we've noticed. The show has consistently honored members of theSurvivorfamily who have passed away including well-loved castaways like Rudy Boesch (Survivor: BorneoandSurvivor: All-Stars), Keith Nale (Survivor: San Juan del SurandSurvivor: Cambodia), and Jane Bright (Survivor: Nicaragua) to name a few.
Over the last few years, the nature of these tributes has evolved as a formal dedication card has become the standard in recognizing members of theSurvivorfamily beyond those fans have gotten to know on screen. Prior to Vince's passing, the show most recently honoredKijiana 'Aunt Kitty' Taito, one ofSurvivor'sassistant accounts, during the season 47 premiere.
On behalf of the Surviving Tribal team, our thoughts and condolences go out to Vince's family, friends, and loved ones as well as the entireSurvivorcommunity.
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