‘Greatest fear’ realised: Devastated Survivor star Lee exits show after phone call from home

There’s been an outpouring of grief from Survivor fans after the harrowing exit of an All Star favourite during last night’s “heartbreaking” episode.

There’s been an outpouring of grief among devastated Survivor fans and castmates following Lee Carseldine’s exit from the show.

The Survivor: All Stars contestant was forced to leave the show amid truly harrowing circumstances in Monday night’s episode after learning his mother had suffered a massive stroke.

Tragically, she died before he was able to make it home.

The Survivor tribe had just returned to camp after a reward challenge when real life suddenly intruded into the game, a producer summoning Lee to take an emergency phone call.

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Former professional cricketer Lee, 44, left camp to take the call as his stunned tribemates wondered what could’ve happened to necessitate the breach of usual Survivor rules.

Cameras kept their distance as Lee took the news:

Lee takes the call away from camp.

As a visibly distressed Lee lingered outside camp, tribemate Tarzan went to find his friend.

“What’s going on, mate? What’s the matter?” he asked, as Lee collapsed into his arms sobbing.

“Mum’s had a massive stroke … and they don’t think she’s going to make it,” Lee said. “I’ve got to go home. It’s real bad.”

Tarzan consoles Lee.

Tarzan was clearly shaken by the news: “We don’t know what’s going on with our families. We’ve got no idea. The last thing you want is that kind of a phone call,” he said.

It was clear Lee needed to leave the game immediately – but he returned to camp one final time to tell his fellow contestants what had happened.

“The man was playing with such great passion and tenacity. It’s such a testimony that he wanted to share the moment with us, as a family,” Tarzan said.

Lee breaks down as he talks to the tribe.

Returning to camp, Lee shared the awful news with the rest of the tribe. “I’ve got to go home and be with the family. I just want you all to know – it’s been a privilege to hang out with you guys for the last 33 days,” he said.

Lee's Survivor co-stars console him.

Fellow contestant David Genat summed up why Lee’s news had been devastating for the whole tribe: “It was honestly just brutal. Everyone’s greatest fear being on Survivor is something happening on the outside world,” he said.

Sharn breaks down.

Shonee weeps over Lee’s departure.

As Lee collected his belongings and left camp for the long journey home from Fiji, Tarzan said his departing friend “would be feeling like his heart’s getting ripped out. He’s going to have to be a champion for his family when he gets home.

“Lee just wanted to make his mum proud – and I’m sure he’s done that.”

As the episode went to air, fans took to Twitter to express their sympathy for Lee and his family.

Sobbing even more!!! Poor Lee #SurvivorAU

— Dan Bennett (@DanMBennett) March 9, 2020

As much as this is a game, witnessing the tragedy that Lee went through, and watching all the emotion and support, highlights that these are real people, and some things are bigger than the game. Heartbreaking episode. My thoughts go out to Lee and his family. #SurvivorAU

— Alec Richardson (@_alecrichardson) March 9, 2020

💔 What a tough episode. Much love to Lee and his family. #SurvivorAU https://t.co/JY5WRFT7qP

— Joel Werner (@joelwerner) March 9, 2020

men supporting men, showing their emotions, this is what we need on tv, always open up, my love to lee ❤❤ #SurvivorAU

— shan 😊☀️ (@shannontcoombes) March 9, 2020

I will miss Lee. He came out of this season more likeable and he was clearly loved by everyone in the cast. RIP Beth Carseldine #SurvivorAU

— Survivor Wiki (@SurvivorWiki) March 9, 2020

That was tough to watch. Hope Lee was given the opportunity to allow his story to air. And Tarzan, you were a bloody good mate. #SurvivorAU

— Kat 🇦🇺 (@bronze_flame) March 9, 2020

Really appreciate seeing these people, especially the men, being emotional and emotionally available for each other. Hopefully Lee said it was ok to put this on the show. And if he did, I’m grateful. #SurvivorAu

— Previously On Australian Survivor (@PreviouslyonAS) March 9, 2020

This is genuinely horrible. I feel so sad for Lee. Also does it bother anyone else they used this super personal trauma for advertising cos that doesn’t sit quite right with me #SurvivorAU

— Shonee No. 1 Fan 🌈 (@becasammut) March 9, 2020

One my favorite player in @Survivor_AU, Huge loss!! Our thoughts & prayers with you and the family Lee.... 🙏 🇦🇺#SurvivorAU 🇦🇺 🌴 pic.twitter.com/sjkIZP6XrG

— -🇦🇺🇺🇸🇦🇺- (@Frolencewalters) March 9, 2020

What a beautiful photo of @leeca_77 and his Mum at the end of the show. Thinking of you Lee, my condolences to you & your family. #SurvivorAU

— Jen Lee (@jenleeren) March 9, 2020

Even Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia shared an emotional post about Lee’s departure.

So devastating to have a family emergency of this magnitude and be so far away from home. Lee, you are a considerate player with a huge heart and great sense of humor….you will be very much missed in the game my friend. God bless 🙏 #SurvivorAU

— Jonathan LaPaglia (@JLa_Paglia) March 9, 2020

LEE TALKS TO NEWS. COM. AU: ‘IT’S BEEN BRUTAL’

Speaking to news.com.au hours before Monday night’s episode aired, Lee opened up about what that day was like and how he’s coping five months after the death of his mum, Elizabeth “Beppie” May Carseldine.

He said he had been bracing himself for the episode’s airing.

“With this whole experience, you have to relive it, and that’s probably the hardest thing. All of Australia’s going to watch it … It almost feels like it’s happening again, right now. It’s a really weird situation to be in,” he said.

Lee was recently given an advance copy of the episode, which he watched with close family members, an experience he described as “brutal”: “That was a tough room to be in, for everybody.”

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

Lee heads out of camp.

He said it had been his decision alone to return to camp and say his goodbyes on camera, and praised the producers who he said were “very respectful and never shoved the cameras in my face – there was no interference from them telling me what to do whatsoever.”

Packing up his few belongings, Lee walked out of camp on foot and hopped into a waiting car — and that’s where the cameras stopped.

He told news.com.au that the call had come late in the day, and with Survivor filmed at a remote location on the Fijian island of Vanua Levu, he wasn’t able to get on a flight that night. Taken to a hotel for the evening, he received the devastating update that his mum had died.

“I woke up the next morning and made my way to a flight – it was probably a good 24 hours (from the initial call) until I got home. It was probably one of the loneliest times I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

LEE’S HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Lee told news.com.au that he’ll be working with the Stroke Foundation in the coming months to raise awareness of the devastating impact of stroke.

“My dad suffered a stroke 14 years ago – now it’s taken my mum’s life. I had no idea it was so prevalent, and how much it takes life away,” he said.

“Getting that call is the worst feeling in the world, it’s so heartbreaking. Anyone who’s suffered a sudden loss in their life will understand what I’ve gone through, including the guilt you feel for being away from home.”

And after placing second on his first season of Survivor and having to exit the game amid tragedy this time around, Lee said he was in no hurry to rush back.

“I’ve had two amazing Survivor experiences, and I’m proud of the fact my torch has never been snuffed. At the moment I’d say no … but have a chat to me in a couple of years.”

Survivor: All-Stars continues 7:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday on Ten.