Terry Deitz’s son, Danny, had a medical emergency that required Terry to leave the game of Survivor: Cambodia – Second Chance.
During the filming of Survivor’s 31st season, Terry Deitz was pulled from the competition when he received news that his son, Danny, was in a critical condition. Danny was diagnosed with a rare form of heart inflammation called viral myocarditis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The Survivor production team woke Terry in the middle of the night to inform him of his son’s condition, and he was immediately evacuated to be with his family.
The situation was dire, as Danny’s heart was functioning at only about 20% of its capacity, and he was placed on the list for a heart transplant. Fortunately, after a period of intense medical care, Danny’s condition improved without the need for a transplant. His recovery was a relief to his family and the Survivor community, who had shown great support for the Deitz family during this challenging time.
Terry’s departure from the game was a poignant moment in Survivor history, highlighting the reality that personal and family emergencies take precedence over the game. The Survivor family and fans rallied around Terry and his family, offering support and well-wishes for Danny’s recovery. Terry’s decision to leave the game to be with his son was met with understanding and respect from both his fellow contestants and the viewing audience.