Keith Sayres, a former segment producer for the popular reality show Survivor, 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.
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What is Pancreatic Cancer?
According to Scpsassam, Keith Sayres died of pancreatic cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, an organ 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 and is difficult to detect and treat.
According to Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Light-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchy skin
- New diagnosis of diabetes or worsening of diabetes
- Blood clots
- Fatigue
- Depression
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, but some factors that may increase the risk include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes that increase the risk
- Obesity
- Older age
- Exposure to certain chemicals
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, as well as nearby organs or lymph nodes if needed
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells with drugs that are given orally or intravenously
- Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells with high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons
- Targeted therapy to attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells with drugs that are given orally or intravenously
- Immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells with drugs that are given intravenously
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is usually poor, as most cases are diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is about 10%, according to the American Cancer Society.
How Did Keith Sayres Become a Survivor Producer?
Keith Sayres was born in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and worked as a story producer for various reality shows, such as Married at First Sight and Little Women: Terra’s Little Family.
He joined Survivor as a tape coordinator, logger, and post-production assistant in 2011 and became a segment producer in 2012. 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, which was his last season with the show.
As a segment producer, Keith was responsible for creating specific parts of an episode, such as confessionals, challenges, tribal councils, etc. He also conducted interviews with the contestants and helped shape their stories. He was known for his professionalism, creativity, and humor.
What Was Keith Sayres’ Legacy?
Keith Sayres’ death was mourned by many people who knew him personally or professionally. The Survivor team dedicated the season 44 premiere episode to him with a title card that read: “In loving memory of our friend and colleague Keith Sayres.”
Many former Survivor contestants also expressed their condolences and appreciation for Keith on social media. Wendell Holland, the winner of Ghost Island, tweeted: “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.”
Kellyn Bechtold, another Ghost Island castaway, tweeted: “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.”
A GoFundMe page was also set up to raise funds for Keith’s family and funeral expenses. The page described Keith as “a loving son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend” who “touched so many lives with his infectious smile and positive energy.”
Keith Sayres was a talented and beloved producer who left behind a lasting impact on Survivor and its community. He will be remembered for his passion, kindness, and joy. Rest in peace, Keith.
