Tracy Wilson, Survivalist on Season 2 of ‘Alone’ Died From a “Sudden Illness” After Filming
She was a former Air Force soldier and police officer.
Published July 21 2025, 4:30 p.m. ET
Alone is one of the most popular survivalist shows on TV right now. Throughout its 12-season run, numerous contestants have self-documented their journeys as they attempt to outlast each other the longest in the hopes of winning the series' $500,000 top prize.
One such participant was Tracy Wilson, who lasted for 8 days in the wilderness before ultimately calling it quits after a bear scare had her fearing for her life. After filming, it was reported that Wilson had passed away suddenly, leading fans of the show to wonder: how did she die?
How did Tracy Wilson die?
Legacy listed Wilson's obituary online, reporting that the Alone survivalist "died after a sudden illness" on Monday, September 16th, 2019, in Rexburg, Idaho. No further information was shared on the particulars of the illness that ended Wilson's life. She was 48 years old at the time of her passing.
TV Shows Ace wrote that Wilson made an impression on viewers due to her passion and tenacity for the survivalist lifestyle.
Prior to joining the show, she continued her family's military tradition after joining the Air Force and served in Saudi Arabia during her tenure with the United States' armed forces.
Upon completion of her service, Wilson went on to join the Aiken County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina. It was there that she "worked as an officer with the New Ellenton and USC-Aiken Police Departments at the Savannah River Site," TV Shows Ace wrote.
Fans who watched Season 2 of Alone will remember that Wilson, along with other competitors, was asked to survive the harsh elements of a portion of Vancouver Island, Canada.
In this History Channel clip, she detailed the 10 items she decided to bring along with her on her quest for the $500,000 grand prize.
First up was a knife, which she calls a "quality blade made by a quality manufacturer." Second was a ferro rod that she could use to create sparks and start a fire.
Third up was a cooking pot, which she said was "important" for any long-term survivalism in the wild.
She also brought along 200 yards of fishing line along with hooks to try and catch fish. Wilson also brought a collapsible saw that emphasized portability, which is vital for helping build a temporary shelter, along with an axe.
She called "the most important item on [her] list" her sleeping bag. In the introductory clip, she highlighted its functionality, which allows her to unzip portions of it so her arms and head could be free. This way, she could retain her body heat without sacrificing mobility.
Wilson also brought along a gill net, which she speculated would be the key way she'd secure food for herself while out in the elements.
The survivalist also brought out some "emergency rations," which consisted of a few bags of "beans, lentils, and legumes...and pemmican," which she says was vital to help provide her with energy to set herself up to outlast the other survivalists on the show.
The blog Doms2cents writes that some Alone viewers speculated that Wilson's death could have been connected to a gender transition surgery she underwent in Thailand in 2010, but this has not been confirmed.
She is survived by her parents, two siblings, three children, and two grandchildren.