Anyone who has watched “Survivor” knows that when it comes to the reality television series, there are few surprises. Competitors are exhausted, tensions run high, and there’s always huge stakes at play. But it might well come as a shock to many viewers that one of the castaways on the shores of Fiji was napping when a fellow competitor received a snake bite that led to them being medically evacuated and ultimately exiting the show. Contestant Jeremiah Ing revealed just that in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Jeremiah Ing Was Taking a Nap During Snake Attack
Speaking during the interview following his exit from the show on day six of the season, Ing explained that he missed the initial incident when Jake Latimer was bitten by a snake. “Alex and I were in the shelter that Annie built by herself, and Sophi was out [doing an interview] and we just heard Jake scream, ‘Hey guys, come down here!’ I was taking a nap, so I was half asleep,” he explained.
“Obviously, I woke up instantly when I figured out what was happening. And then I saw the snake bite on his foot, but I don’t know if it clicked to me that he was actually going home. I don’t know if it’s just because I try to stay positive. ”
That positivity actually led to Ing believing that he’d get to see Jake again on the island and that he’d even be able to help in the next challenge. He went on to say, “I waved him goodbye and I said, ‘See you later!’ And then we grabbed his backpack to go to the challenge and we show up to the challenge. I’m like, ‘Where’s Jake?’”
Ing had his own share of bad luck before he even landed on the island for “Survivor” 49. On the day he left for the show, the castaway was hit by a car but didn’t suffer any injuries and was able to continue his journey to Fiji.
Latimer Found Silver Lining From Show Exit
Robert Voets/CBSThe shocking medical emergency was not as serious as it could have been, with “Survivor” star Jake Latimer only receiving a dry bite from the venomous snake. That meant that no venom actually entered his body — although doctors still felt it was best for him to return home to recover after the ordeal.
While naturally disappointed to leave “Survivor” 49, the incident did provide a silver lining for Latimer. Within 48 hours of his return home, he was able to witness the birth of his son Jax, something that was incredibly fortunate given that Latimer had expected to miss the event. Latimer’s partner discovered she was pregnant during the casting process but the couple decided he should still enter the show to try and win the grand prize.
