More details are emerging about the tragic death of former "Survivor" star Caleb Bankston. The 26-year-old locomotive engineer at the Alabama Warrior Railway died in a train derailment accident on Tuesday, June 24.
According to a new report by TMZ, Bankston was reportedly crushed between two rail cars when one of them expectantly jumped the tracks. Police officials told the site that the rear car slammed into the car in front with Bankston stuck between them.
The cause of the train derailment is still under investigation. Sources told TMZ that there was another person on the train when the accident happened but he was not injured. According to CNN, Bankston had been working as a conductor for the past seven months.
Watco Companies, which operates the Alabama Warrior Railway, has reportedly offered to pay for Bankston's funeral, TMZ reports. He competed on "Survivor: Blood vs. Water" last year with his fiance Colton Cumbie. The two were finalizing plans for an October wedding, according to reports.
Past "Survivor" contestants offered their condolences to Bankston's family and friends. Aras Baskauskas told People magazine that he "was an amazing man and friend."
"One of the sweetest and most sincere humans I've ever come across. I am gutted by his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family," he said.
Sabrina Thompson, who competed on "Survivor: One World" with Cumbie, recalled to People how in love the two were.
"While playing 'Survivor' with Colton, he would talk about his boyfriend, Caleb, around the clock 24/7," she said. "Within seconds of meeting Caleb at the finale and 'Survivor' events, it's no wonder why he raved about him. You were instantly drawn to his big smile, warm spirit and Southern charm. May God rest his soul... gone too soon."
