Jennifer Lyon, Survivor Star, Passes Away

Jennifer Lyon has died at age 37. She starred on Survivor in 2005, the same year she was diagnosed with breast cancer, against which she fought a long battle.

"I was completely shocked and overwhelmed," Lyon said of her initial diagnosis of the disease. "I felt fine that day; in fact, I've been healthy my entire life."

Austin Carty, an alum of Survivor: Panama, dated Lyon, who starred on Survivor: Palau, in 2006. "Jen was a genuinely selfless, sweet-natured person," he said.

"She always had a smile. She cared about every person.”

R.I.P. Jennifer Lyon (1973-2010).

Carty last saw his friend at a breast cancer charity event in New York during summer 2009, where she received a standing ovation after giving a speech.

"She was engaged in the fight of her life, but she had every intention to fight,” Carty said. "This has really rocked the Survivor community. It's just so sad."

Our deepest condolences to Lyon's family and friends.