Vince Costello dies at 61: What was the Survivor crew member’s cause of death, net worth, and lasting legacy

Survivor has lost one of its most influential behind-the-scenes figures. Vince Costello, the veteran location manager who shaped the CBS reality show’s iconic Fiji setting, died in 2025 following a battle with liver cancer. He was 61.

At the end of the Survivor 49 premiere on September 24, viewers saw a tribute card reading: “In loving memory of Vince Costello, forever in our hearts.” The heartfelt message left many fans asking about the man who helped define nearly a decade of the show’s look and feel.

Who Was Vince Costello?

Vince Costello joined Survivor in 2016, when production moved permanently to Fiji. A native of the islands, Costello became the show’s location manager, tasked with scouting and securing the stunning tribal camps, challenge sites, and Tribal Council locations that have defined the Fiji era.

Before joining the show, he worked across 50 productions, building a reputation as one of Fiji’s most reliable film and television professionals. His career behind the camera spanned nearly a decade on Survivor alone, making him a cornerstone of the crew.

How Did Vince Costello Die?

While CBS has not issued a formal statement on the cause of death, Costello had been diagnosed earlier this year with late-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a form of liver cancer.

Survivor executive producer Jesse Jensen launched a GoFundMe to support Costello’s treatment, noting that he and his family had relocated temporarily to Australia. The campaign closed in July 2025 after raising more than AUD 86,000, a testament to the love and respect he earned within the Survivor community.

Survivor’s Tribute to Costello

CBS Studios, which produces Survivor, honored Costello during the Survivor 49 premiere with an emotional on-screen dedication. Fans and crew members described him as the “heartbeat of the Fiji production,” with many sharing memories of his generosity and professionalism.

His work will also be remembered in Survivor 50, which wrapped production shortly before his passing.

Vince Costello’s Family Legacy

Costello’s legacy extended beyond his own career, as his children followed him into the industry.

• Aline Costello (28) began as part of Survivor’s “Dream Team,” before working alongside her father as a locations assistant.
• Patrick Costello (21) started in post-production before becoming a full-time camera operator, continuing the family’s connection to the show.

Both spoke about growing up on set, recalling childhood memories of base camp that eventually grew into professional opportunities. “We’re a very tight family, so I feel like if anyone could do it, it would be us,” Aline said in a People interview.

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Vince Costello’s Net Worth and Career Impact

While his exact net worth has not been made public, industry estimates suggest that Costello earned a comfortable living as a longtime crew member, with steady income from nearly a decade on Survivor and dozens of other projects. Reports place his financial standing in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting years of work in Fiji’s growing film and TV industry.

Beyond finances, Costello’s biggest impact was cultural. He often spoke about how Survivor respected Fijian traditions, saying, “Fiji is very much into culture and into respect, and it’s been great working for Survivor in that respect.”

How Fans Remember Him

The dedication during Survivor 49 was only the beginning of tributes. Fans online described him as the “unsung hero” of the Fiji seasons, noting that his scouting helped shape the look of the show’s most iconic moments. Crew members and producers have hinted at further tributes in upcoming episodes.

FAQ

Q: Who was Vince Costello on Survivor?

A: Vince Costello was a longtime Survivor crew member who worked as a location manager from 2016 to 2025. He was responsible for scouting and securing tribal camps, challenge areas, and Tribal Council sites in Fiji.

Q: When did Vince Costello die?

A: Vince Costello died in 2025, shortly after production wrapped on Survivor 50. His death was acknowledged during the Survivor 49 premiere with an on-screen tribute.

Q: What was Vince Costello’s cause of death?

A: Vince Costello was diagnosed with late-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. He passed away earlier this year after receiving treatment in Australia.

Q: How did Survivor honor Vince Costello?

A: CBS Studios honored him with a dedication card at the end of Survivor 49’s premiere. Fans and crew described him as one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures of the Fiji seasons.

Q: Did Vince Costello have children?

A: Yes, Vince Costello had two children who worked on Survivor. His daughter, Aline, worked as a locations assistant, while his son, Patrick, became a camera operator.

Q: What was Vince Costello’s net worth?

A: While exact figures are unknown, reports suggest Vince Costello’s net worth was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, built over decades of steady work in film and television production.

Q: How long did Vince Costello work on Survivor?

A: Vince Costello worked on Survivor for nearly nine years, from season 33 in 2016 through season 50 in 2025.

Q: Why is Vince Costello important to Survivor?

A: As location manager, Costello helped define the Fiji era of Survivor, ensuring that the show’s iconic locations respected local culture while providing unforgettable backdrops for the competition.