Survivor 50’s Kyle Fraser Shares Update After Medical Evacuation

Kyle Fraser has bounced back after his early exit from Survivor 50.

The winner of season 48 recently shared how he’s doing after injuring his Achilles tendon. The injury led to a difficult departure from the show, which viewers saw on the February 25th premiere.

Okay, so I found out from his interview on CBS Mornings with Jenna Lewis-Dougherty – poor Kyle actually had surgery the same week he was eliminated! He said he started running again about three weeks ago, so he’s still recovering, but thankfully, he’s definitely getting better. I’m just so worried about him!

It was a really difficult situation. Just two weeks before, I’d won a million dollars, and everyone had seen it. Then, to tear my Achilles tendon and have to leave the game after only four days… it was devastating.

During the immunity challenge, Kyle showed great teamwork by helping his tribe climb a structure, but he was injured in the process. Despite his tribe winning, Jeff Probst and Dr. Joe determined he needed to be medically evacuated, which understandably made him very upset.

Kyle shared on CBS Mornings that he enjoyed being part of his group on the show, but quickly became overwhelmed. He admitted he cried the first night in his hotel room, realizing he was missing out on life back home.

He explained that revisiting the first episode reminded him of all the amazing moments in the game. He was really eager to play it himself at the time, and while he’s had many great experiences since then, that initial one was particularly memorable—and a little disappointing when it ended.

Plus, Kyle needed to avoid being recognized by viewers of Survivor to keep the show’s surprises intact.

I had to leave the filming location and return home unexpectedly. I needed immediate surgery after tearing my Achilles tendon – you can’t begin to heal until it’s repaired. I mostly stayed hidden in my apartment because I didn’t want anyone to see me getting around on a scooter and in a boot while the rest of the cast was still filming on location.

Honestly, seeing him back home was amazing, especially because he finally married Maggie Turner last year! And the best part? He was there to help her get ready for their first baby! It just melted my heart knowing he was supporting her through everything. I’ve been following their story for ages, and this is just…perfect.

He shared that he’d been enjoying a lot of valuable time with loved ones. He’d recently gotten married, which made his wife very happy, and they’re expecting a daughter in May!

Even though Kyle wasn’t able to finish season 50—which includes returning players like Mike White, Cirie Fields, and Rizo Velovic—he explained the strategy he thought would have helped him win again.

I won by focusing on building connections with the other players, getting to know them as people first. My strategy was simple: be myself and form relationships. If people liked me, we could then play the game together, and that’s how I successfully made it through.

He felt like he was thriving during his time there. He explained that getting to know his fellow castmates – a really diverse group – was a great experience, and he was glad he played a central role in fostering their positive relationships. He was particularly proud of that aspect of the experience.

For more on the cast of Survivor 50, keep reading…

Season 37 (DAVID VS. GOLIATH)

Okay, let me tell you, these seasons? These are everything. Season 12, with Panama and Exile Island… pure strategic brilliance! Then Season 16, Micronesia – oh my gosh, Fans vs. Favorites was just iconic. The drama! The blindsides! And Season 20, Heroes vs. Villains? Forget about it. The cast was legendary, and the gameplay was ruthless. Honestly, it’s the peak. But then, Season 34, Game Changers… it just took everything to another level. The players were so cunning, so adaptable. These four seasons? They’re not just good, they’re perfect Survivor. I’ve rewatched them all countless times, and they still give me chills!

Seasons 13 (Cook Islands), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 23 (South Pacific), and 34 (Game Changers) are all notable installments of the Survivor television series.