Vince Costello Survivor Tribute: How Vince Costello Died?

The Survivor community is grieving the loss of Vince Costello, a beloved member of the production team who made his mark on Survivor and on all those who worked alongside him. If you are asking "Who is Vince Costello?" or "What is the big deal about this tragedy that ripped so many hearts?" - you are in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about this inspiring person who grew Survivor.

Who Was Vince Costello From Survivor? 

Vince Costello was so much more than a name behind the scenes. He was the Location Manager between 2016-2025 creating the Survivor experience in Fiji. Lifelong Fijian for his whole life, Vince scouted the most spectacular locations in the Mamanuca Islands, distancing locations for rowdy tribe camps, challenging challenges, and tender nights wrapped in emotion around the campfire at Tribal Council. Vince had over 50 productions to his credit before arriving at Survivor, and his skills and dedication continually progressed the look and feel for the show. 

Vince Costello's Survivor Journey and Family Tradition

Survivor was much more than a job for Vince - it was a family tradition. His daughter, Aline, was the first to join the Survivor crew as part of the 'Dream Team' program and quickly began working alongside her father. Patrick, his son, started at the base camp and is currently working as a camera man. The close-knit Costello family helped make Survivor’s production feel like home for so many.

How Did Vince Costello Died?

In early 2025, Vince was diagnosed with late-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a serious form of liver cancer. Vince Costello Died at the age of 61 after being filmed for Survivor's 50th season. Sadly, a very generous GoFundMe supported by Survivor family and friends made two families' lives a bit easier, as it raised over AUD 86,000 during this time of hardship for both the cast and Vince's family. 

Survivor’s Season 49 Honors Vince Costello

This past season, Survivor featured a touching title card during the Season 49 premiere: “In Loving memory of Vince Costello, forever in our hearts.” The card resonated with the crew and fans of the franchise alike, signifying how respected he was, and how significant of an absence his passing will be from here on out. 

Survivor 49 premiered on September 24, paying tribute to Vince Costello, the show's Location Manager since 2016, who recently passed away. The episode featured a dedication card in his memory. Vince's legacy continues through his children, Aline and Patrick, both of whom are… pic.twitter.com/EGvMLRDBqY

— anreads (@newyorktaxcon) September 25, 2025

Why Survivor Crew and Fans Loved Vince

• Vince was loved and respected by many for his kindness, professionalism, and love for the Fijian people and culture.
• He was considered welcoming to newcomers, mentored some of the crew members who were younger than him and shared his love of the islands with all of the cast and crew.
• Vince has been characterized by his colleagues as the "heart behind Survivor's Fiji Era".

What was Vince's Largest Contribution to Survivor?

Vince paved the way for Survivor's Fiji seasons to be absolutely breathtaking in the scouting of locations and all of the logistical moves he undertook. His indoctrination to Fiji and the islands lent the production an internal source that allowed it to continue to produce memorable television shows year after year.

Survivor Fans Lose a Legend

Countless Survivor fans and players have taken to social media to pay tribute to Vince, thanking him for his commitment and spirit. The Survivor family, both on and off the screen, will remember him forever.

Survivor Vince Costello: His Legacy Lives On

Although Vince Costello has passed, the legacy of his work and the memories he helped create will go on to inspire future generations Survivor and beyond.