Who Was Vince Costello? His Cause of Death Explained

Vince Costello was a beloved crew member of the hit CBS reality series Survivor. He worked as a location manager from 2016 until 2025, helping bring the show’s Fijian setting to life. Costello passed away in 2025 at the age of 61 after battling late-stage liver cancer.

Fans of the long-running series saw a tribute to him at the end of the Survivor Season 49 premiere. Many viewers were curious about his story and his contribution behind the scenes.

Vince Costello’s Journey With Survivor

Costello was a native of Fiji who joined the Survivor production team during Season 33, Millennials vs. Gen X, when the show permanently moved its filming base to the Mamanuca Islands. As location manager, he was responsible for scouting and securing camps, challenge sites, and the show’s iconic Tribal Council backdrops.

Before joining Survivor, Costello worked on nearly 50 other productions, earning a reputation for his skill and reliability. His deep local knowledge made him essential to the show’s seamless integration with Fiji’s landscape and culture. In interviews, Costello expressed pride in representing Fiji and helping the production respect local traditions.

His work on Survivor became a family affair. His daughter Aline began as part of the “Dream Team,” the group testing challenges, before joining him as a locations assistant. His son Patrick worked in post-production and later became a camera operator. Together, the Costello family became part of the heart and soul of the show’s crew.

How Vince Costello Died

After filming wrapped on Survivor Season 50, Costello was diagnosed with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. According to a GoFundMe organized by executive producer Jesse Jensen, the Costello family relocated from Fiji to Australia for treatment. The campaign raised more than AUD 86,000 to support his care and living expenses.

Though the production never officially released a detailed medical statement, colleagues confirmed his cancer battle. His passing left a deep impact on the Survivor team, who described him as warm, humorous, and endlessly generous.

Fans learned of his death when the Season 49 premiere aired a heartfelt dedication card reading, “In loving memory of Vince Costello, forever in our hearts.”

Legacy and Industry Impact

Costello’s work shaped the visual identity of Survivor for nearly a decade. His deep ties to Fiji helped the show remain respectful and authentic while creating challenging, cinematic backdrops. Many crew members called him a mentor and friend who built a bridge between the production and local communities.

The outpouring of love from colleagues and fans underscored his influence. Beyond his professional contributions, Costello will be remembered for his kindness and the family legacy he fostered on set. His death is a major loss for the Survivor family and for Fijian representation in global television production.

Vince Costello’s life and work left an enduring mark on Survivor and the people who knew him. His legacy will continue through his children and the show’s ongoing commitment to Fiji’s stunning landscapes.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who was Vince Costello on Survivor?

He was a Fijian location manager who worked on the show from 2016 to 2025 and helped choose camps and challenge locations.

Q2: How did Vince Costello die?

He passed away in 2025 after battling late-stage liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Q3: When did Survivor honor Vince Costello?

The tribute appeared at the end of the Survivor Season 49 premiere in September 2025.

Q4: Did his family work on Survivor too?

Yes. His daughter Aline and son Patrick both worked on the production in various roles.

Q5: Why was Vince Costello important to Survivor?

He made the Fijian setting possible by scouting and managing all filming locations for nearly a decade.