Sunday Burquest: 'Survivor' Star Dies At 50 (3 Things To Know)

Sunday Burquest, a former Survivor contestant, died after a courageous battle with esophageal and ovarian cancer, diagnosed in 2020.

She was 50 years old.

Burquest was beloved by her family and friends and served as an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Sunday Burquest had one of the brightest smiles of any person to ever play Survivor. She radiated kindness and understanding. She seemed to understand better than most, that life is for living, so say yes to life whenever possible. My condolences go out to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/eL2Q1qDw3f

— Jeff Probst (@JeffProbst) April 18, 2021

Here are 3 things to know about Burquest’s life and legacy.

1. Burquest Had Cancer More Than One Time

Sunday Burquest fought and beat breast cancer in 2012.

She went through surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Burquest was in remission when she competed on the show.

She also wrote about her first bout with cancer in her 2018 book: Grit Girl: Power to Survive Inspired by Grace

When she received the 2020 diagnosis, she faced it bravely and brilliantly.

On Instagram, she posted a picture of herself wearing a black t-shirt that said “I survived esophageal and ovarian cancer.”

She wrote:

“You know how they say when it rains it pours? Well, it really poured on me today. When did I survive that?”

“Well, I’m going to do it right now because today I was told that I had both, that esophageal cancer started and traveled to my ovary.”

“It’s not a super great thing, of course, and not fun to hear, but I will say that I do know that I have already survived cancer once and I will survive it again, which is why I’m wearing this shirt and saying right now I survived it.”

2. Burquest Finished In 7th Place On Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X

Calling it a dream come true, she competed in the 33rd season of the show which filmed in 2016.

Burquest lasted 35 days before finishing in 7th place.

3. She Was A Beloved Wife and Mother.

Sunday Burquest is survived by her husband Jeff and four children.

Burquest’s daughter Kennedy wrote a lengthy Instagram post honoring her mother.

“To my unbelievably beautiful mama, Thank you. Thank you for fighting as hard as you did for as long as you did. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a sister, and my mother all in one.”

“Thank you for raising me to love Jesus, and show that love to others. That’s something you did so well.”

“It breaks my heart to know you will never get to see me on my wedding day, or be there when I have my first kid. But I know you’re watching over me. Although it hurts me so bad to watch you go, I’m so happy you are happy again. I’m happy you get to be with Jesus, and see your dad.”

“I’m happy you aren’t in pain anymore. I’m happy I got to have these past few months with you. I loved taking care of you. You’ll always be my favorite patient. I love you to heaven and back a million times.”