Keith Sayres, a well-known reality TV producer who worked on shows such as Survivor, Married at First Sight, and Little Women: Terra’s Little Family, passed away on February 15, 2023, at the age of 39. His death was a shock to many fans and colleagues who admired his work and personality. In this article, we will explore the cause of his death, his career, and his legacy.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
According to Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas, a gland that produces enzymes and hormones that help digest food and regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer, as it often spreads rapidly to nearby organs and is difficult to detect and treat in its early stages.
Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Light-colored stools or dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes
- Fatigue and weakness
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing it include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes that increase the risk of cancer
- Age (most cases occur after age 65)
- Gender (men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women)
- Race (African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than whites)
The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Some of the common treatments include:
- Surgery to remove part or all of the pancreas and nearby organs
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
- Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells or relieve symptoms
- Targeted therapy to block specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow and survive
- Immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
- Palliative care to improve the quality of life and relieve pain and other symptoms
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is generally poor, as the five-year survival rate is only about 10%. However, some factors that may improve the outlook include:
- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Having a tumor that can be removed by surgery
- Having a tumor that responds well to chemotherapy or other treatments
- Having a good performance status and general health
How Did Keith Sayres Die?
According to Parade, Keith Sayres died of pancreatic cancer in the hospital. It is unknown when he was diagnosed with the disease or how long he battled it. His death was reported on February 1, 2023, by his brother, Ken Sayres, who posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
Ken wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother, Keith Sayres. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague. He touched many lives with his kindness, generosity, humor, and talent. He was a passionate storyteller who worked on many amazing shows, including Survivor, Married at First Sight, and Little Women: Terra’s Little Family. He loved traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. He was a proud Howard University alum and a loyal Buffalo Bills fan. He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away peacefully in the hospital. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in power, Feezy.”
What Was Keith Sayres’ Career?
Keith Sayres was a reality TV producer who worked on several popular shows. He started his career in 2011 as a tape coordinator, logger, and general post-production assistant for Survivor, the Emmy-winning reality show that pits contestants against each other in remote locations. He later became a segment producer, responsible for creating specific parts of an episode. He worked on every episode from seasons 25 through 28, then worked on about half of season 30 and a quarter of season 34. He returned as a full-time story producer for season 36, Ghost Island, his final season with the show.
Keith also worked on other reality shows, such as Married at First Sight, a social experiment that matches strangers who agree to marry at first sight, and Little Women: Terra’s Little Family, a spin-off of Little Women: LA that follows the life of Terra Jolé and her family. He also dabbled in acting, playing Lucifer in the 2011 short film, Genesis: Adam & Eve.
What Was Keith Sayres’ Legacy?
Keith Sayres left behind a legacy of excellence, creativity, and joy. He was admired and respected by his colleagues and friends, who remembered him as a warm, funny, and supportive person. He also made a lasting impression on the fans and viewers of the shows he worked on, who appreciated his storytelling skills and vision.
Many people from the Survivor community paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their condolences and sharing their memories. Some of the notable messages include:
- Wendell Holland, the winner of Ghost Island and a two-time player, tweeted, “JUST saw this on Instagram and my heart is SHATTERED. Keith was the Ghost Island producer that I got to meet on my way to my lonely night at GI, who, coincidentally went to Howard with my big sis. I have so much to say about big bro. Love and miss you.”
- Evvie Jagoda, a castaway from season 41, replied, “I remember Keith well from our pregame. He had such a fun spirit – he felt like a friend in the phase where we couldn’t talk to anyone. So sad to hear about this.”
- Davie Rickenbacker, a fan favorite from David vs. Goliath, posted a photo of him, Keith, and Wendall from the afterparty of his season.
- Kellyn Bechtold, a castaway from Ghost Island, wrote, “Keith Sayres was one of the brightest lights during my time on Survivor. He conducted my confessionals while on Ghost Island all alone. We laughed and laughed and he made me feel loved instead of lonely. His smile was majestic. May he rest in peace.”
The show also honored Keith with a dedication at the end of the premiere of season 44, which read, “In loving memory of our friend and colleague Keith Sayres.”
Keith Sayres’ family also set up a memorial fund GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses and support his mother and brother. The fund has raised over $30,000 so far, with donations from many Survivor alumni and fans.
Keith Sayres was a remarkable person who lived a full and adventurous life. He will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry, his passion for travel and culture, and his love for his family and friends. He was a survivor in every sense of the word, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.