The former Syracuse Orange quarterback died on March 14 following a dirt bike accident. He was 28.

 Survivor star Monica Culpepper breaks silence on son Rex’s death at 28: ‘Our worst nightmare won’t end’

The former Syracuse Orange quarterback died on March 14 following a dirt bike accident. He was 28.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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April 7, 2026 4:17 p.m. ET

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Monica Culpepper and Brad Culpepper on 'Survivor'. Credit:

Monty Brinton/CBS

*Survivor* alum Monica Culpepper is mourning the sudden loss of her son, Rex Culpepper, who died last month at age 28.

"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, who shared Rex with fellow *Survivor* alum Brad Culpepper, wrote on Monday via Instagram.

"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. 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," she continued. "It’s deep, it’s messy, it’s organic, it’s beautiful and authentic."

The former reality star signed the post, "I’m channeling my shattered heart for my dear Brad, Judge, Honor, Elijah , and sweet Savanna… ✨💜

Rex was previously mourned by his siblings, Honor and Judge Culpepper, who shared a joint statement to Instagram.

"Oh, our Rex, our biggest brother. You were the center of all Universe’s," they wrote. "I don’t have the words right now, and I’m not sure I will. But for now, if you knew Rex, even briefly, please comment a memory, so we can read and laugh and cry."

Monica and Brad Culpepper; son Rex Culpepper.

Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty; Brett Carlsen/Getty

Rex died on March 14 after sustaining injuries in a dirt bike accident, according to the *Tampa Bay Times*. His death was additionally confirmed by the Syracuse University football team, who wrote on social media, "Rex lived his life with endless passion, having overcome cancer at the age of 20 while playing for the Orange. Appearing in 30 games, Rex played football as fierce as he lived life. Our hearts are with the Culpepper family & all those who loved him."

Culpepper hailed from a football family: his father Brad played nine seasons in the NFL as a defensive tackle, suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears. Brad and his wife would later star on multiple seasons of *Survivor*.

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The couple first appeared together on season 27, *Blood vs. Water*, on which Monica was the runner-up. Brad later returned for season 34, *Game Changers*, where he finished second.

Meanwhile, Rex proved to be a survivor in his own right after getting diagnosed with testicular cancer in the spring of 2018, just two years into his career as a Syracuse University quarterback. The football star battled through the disease and returned to the field that fall, a feat that earned him the school’s Jim DaRin Courage Award.

Rex Culpepper of the Syracuse Orange warms up before the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Carrier Dome on Sept. 28, 2019.

Brett Carlsen/Getty

One month prior to his death, Culpepper got engaged to fiancée Savanna Morgan, who shared the news of his death via Instagram.

"No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting,” she began her emotional post. “Rex didnt always believe in soulmates but towards the end he told me that he didnt realize what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other. And one thing about us is that we lived every single day like it was our last."

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She continued, "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 dont regret a single day in our 6 years."

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