French 'Survivor' Death: Thierry Costa Commits Suicide In Cambodia; 5 Other 'Survivor' Injuries

French "Survivor" spinoff "Koh-Lanta" suffered its second death in recent weeks. Dr. Thierry Costa, a staff medic for the program, committed suicide Monday. Adventure Line Productions, which oversees the French version of the American reality show hit, said Dr. Costa died in Cambodia on assignment with the program. He left a note prior to his death, lamenting public criticism of his recent treatment of Gerald Babin, who died of a heart attack on the "Survivor" spinoff ten days prior.

"Koh-Lanta" was canceled after Gerald Babin's death, while the program was in the early stages of filming. His family is suing the show for damages including "breaches of health and safety". A countersuit by the French "Survivor"'s production company alleged defamation after anonymous allegations of disregard by Costa and the crew over Gerald Babin's death surfaced.

Babin suffered cardiac arrest following a tug-of-war challenge and was unsuccessfully treated by Dr. Costa.

"In recent days, my name has been sullied in the media," the suicide note read. "I am sure I treated Gerald with respect as a patient and not a contestant."

Though the original American "Survivor" program has never been cancelled on account of serious injuries, a number of contestants have memorably suffered wounds and scars of battle while competing for the $1 million prize on the CBS reality show.

The most memorable "Survivor" injury occurred way back in Season 2, "The Australian Outback." Contestant Michael Skupin of Michigan was minding the fire on the beach, when he inhaled a large amount of smoke and passed out. He rolled into the fire itself and later awoke to massive burns all over his body. Skupin screamed as he ran into a nearby river in an attempt to soothe his charred skin, which was hanging loosely from his arms and legs. The "Survivor" contestant was airlifted and therefore disqualified from the show. He returned in an all-star season in the Philippines years later but was unsuccessful.

In Season 19 of "Survivor," castaway Russell Swan, a lawyer from the Philadelphia area, suffered low blood pressure during a challenge and began to faint. He too was ejected from the game for medical reasons. Dabbling actor Jonathan Penner, of such films as "Down Periscope", received a massive knee puncture during a highly physical challenge in Season 16 of "Survivor." Like Skupin, he was able to return during an all-star season. Famous contestant "Boston Rob" Mariano once passed out alone in the forest and was later found unresponsive but survived.

There is no word as to whether "Koh-Lanta" will try anew to successfully replicate the success of the American version of "Survivor" following Costa's suicide.