Monica Culpepper is breaking her silence on the tragic death of her eldest son, Rex Culpepper, at the age of 28.
“No words. Feeble try…” the Survivor alum, 55, wrote via Instagram on Monday, April 6. “Our world stopped at 5:12 pm on 3/14/26. We are overwhelmed with a gut wrenching grief, so hard it makes us ill. It’s as if the world is spinning and we are stuck somewhere detached. The nausea is constant. Our worst nightmare won’t end.”
Monica said it’s been an incredibly difficult time for her family while expressing gratitude to the fans who sent well-wishes. (Monica and her husband, fellow Survivor alum Brad Culpepper, share sons Rex and Judge and daughter Honor.)
“It’s hard to move but things must get done to honor our dear Rexy. I’m writing this to thank you… ALL of YOU,” she continued. “The love, prayers, cards, texts, calls, meals, flowers , posts and hugs are felt and matter. The shared stories, music, and videos of Rex’s dynamic interests and talents are uplifting and incredible. It’s deep, it’s messy, it’s organic, it’s beautiful and authentic.”
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Monica noted she is “channeling” her “shattered heart” for her husband, 56, their children, as well as Honor’s fiancé, Elijah Klein, and Rex’s fiancé, Savanna Morgan.
Several Survivor alums shared their condolences to the Culpepper family following their tragic loss.
“It’s unfathomable. Our hearts break for yours,” One World winner Kim Spradlin-Wolfe wrote while Aubry Bracco replied, “My thoughts have been with you, Brad and family constantly, Monica. Sending you so much love and light. ❤️.”
News broke last month that Rex died after sustaining injuries in a dirt bike accident in Georgia. Savanna, who got engaged to Rex earlier this year, confirmed the news of his passing in a heartfelt tribute.
“No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting,” she wrote via Instagram in March. “Rex didn’t always believe in soulmates but towards the end he told me that he didn’t realize what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other.”
Savanna continued, “And one thing about us is that we lived every single day like it was our last. We did every little thing that we set our minds to, between learning new skills and hobbies, and traveling to new places, there was never any free time with us and not a moment spent apart. I don’t regret a single day in our 6 years.”
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In addition to being the son of beloved Survivor players, Rex was known for playing football at Syracuse University. During his freshman year, Rex was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent chemotherapy. After completing treatment, Rex shared that he was cancer-free in 2018. He returned to the football field following his recovery.
Brad and Monica have been leaning on each other in the wake of his death. The couple has been married since 1992.
While Brad was well known for his career in the NFL, Monica made a name for herself when she competed on Survivor: One World in 2012. The following year, Monica and Brad competed together on Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Brad returned to play Survivor a second time in 2017 for its Game Changers season, where he came in second place.