The Tragic Truth: Are Colton And Caleb Still Together? A 2025 Update On Colton Cumbie's Life

The question of whether *Survivor* contestants Colton Cumbie and Caleb Bankston are still together carries a profound and heartbreaking answer. As of today, December 10, 2025, the couple is not together, as Caleb Bankston tragically passed away in 2014, a few months before their planned wedding. Their love story, which began on the set of the reality show and captured the hearts of millions of viewers, came to a sudden and devastating end, leaving Colton Cumbie to navigate life alone and leaving a lasting legacy on the *Survivor* community.

This article provides a comprehensive and sensitive look at the relationship between Colton and Caleb, the details of the tragedy, and the most current information available on Colton Cumbie’s life a decade after the loss of his fiancé. The enduring curiosity about their status is a testament to the powerful, if complicated, mark they left on reality television and the profound impact of their story.

Complete Biographical Profiles: Colton Cumbie and Caleb Bankston

Colton Cumbie and Caleb Bankston were a notable pairing in the history of the *Survivor* reality series, primarily known for their appearance together on the *Blood vs. Water* season. Their biographies provide the context for their relationship and the public’s enduring interest.

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Colton Cumbie

• Full Name: Colton Cumbie
• Born: 1991 (Age 34 in 2025)
• Hometown/Residence: Collinsville, Alabama
• Occupation: Unknown (Previously a student/political organizer)
• Survivor Seasons:
  • *Survivor: One World* (Season 24): Medically evacuated on Day 16, finished 11th.
  • *Survivor: Blood vs. Water* (Season 27): Quit on Day 7, finished 18th.
• Relationship Status (2025): Currently reported as single.

Caleb Bankston

• Full Name: Caleb Bankston
• Born: 1987
• Passed Away: June 24, 2014 (Age 26)
• Hometown/Residence: Collinsville, Alabama
• Occupation: Post Office Manager and Farmer
• Survivor Season:
  • *Survivor: Blood vs. Water* (Season 27): Finished 9th, was a member of the jury.
• Relationship: Fiancé of Colton Cumbie; they were planning a wedding for October 2014.

The Tragic Reality: What Happened to Caleb Bankston?

The reason Colton and Caleb are not together is rooted in a devastating, unforeseen tragedy that occurred in the summer of 2014. Caleb Bankston died in a fatal industrial accident while working in Alabama.

Details of the Fatal Accident

Caleb Bankston, who worked as a locomotive engineer and conductor for the Alabama Warrior Railway in Birmingham, was killed on June 24, 2014. The accident occurred when a train car partially derailed, leading to a crushing incident. The Jefferson County Deputy Coroner reported that Bankston was thrown from the train during the partial derailment. He was only 26 years old at the time of his passing.

The news sent shockwaves through the entire *Survivor* and reality television community. At the time, Colton and Caleb were engaged and actively planning their wedding, which was scheduled to take place in October 2014. The couple had been excited about their future, and the wedding was even slated to be covered by *People Magazine*. The loss was particularly painful due to its sudden and tragic nature, cutting short the life of a man described by many as kind and amazing.

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Colton Cumbie's Life Today: Where Is He Now in 2025?

Following the death of his fiancé, Colton Cumbie retreated from the public spotlight, understandably focusing on grieving and rebuilding his life. The years following 2014 have been a journey of healing and reflection for the former reality star.

Navigating Grief and Public Life

The loss of Caleb, who Colton described as the love of his life, was a monumental blow. Colton had to cancel a wedding he had been eagerly planning and face a future he hadn't anticipated. In the immediate aftermath, there was an outpouring of support from the *Survivor* community, including host Jeff Probst and many former contestants. Colton has since spoken about the difficulty of maneuvering life without Caleb, an experience that profoundly changed him.

Current Status and Activities in 2025

As of the most recent updates in 2025, Colton Cumbie is reported to be currently single. He has maintained a relatively private life compared to his time on television. However, Colton has occasionally re-engaged with the *Survivor* world, showing that he has found a way to reconcile with his past public life.

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• Reconciliation with Castmates: In a surprising turn, Colton has mended his relationship with Bill Posley, a former castmate from *Survivor: One World* with whom he had a highly publicized feud. This reconciliation shows a maturation and a willingness to move past old conflicts, with Colton even promoting Posley's one-man shows.
• Personal Growth: Friends and former castmates have noted a change in Colton, suggesting that the tragedy and the subsequent years of reflection have led to personal growth and a shift in perspective, moving him away from the controversial persona he displayed on the show.
• Enduring Legacy: Colton continues to honor Caleb's memory through private reflection and occasional public tributes, ensuring that the impact of their relationship is not forgotten by the fans who witnessed their journey on *Survivor: Blood vs. Water*.

The Enduring Legacy of Colton and Caleb's Relationship

The story of Colton Cumbie and Caleb Bankston, despite its tragic ending, remains a significant part of *Survivor* history. They were one of the few same-sex couples to be featured prominently on the show, and their genuine connection resonated with viewers.

Their relationship provided a heartwarming counterpoint to the cutthroat nature of the game, highlighting the "Blood vs. Water" theme in a deeply personal and emotional way. Caleb’s death served as a somber reminder to the public that the contestants are real people with real lives outside of the competition. The love they shared, and the sadness of their abrupt separation, is the reason why, even a decade later in 2025, fans still search for the answer to the simple question: "Are Colton and Caleb still together?" The answer is a quiet tribute to a love that was tragically cut short, but whose memory endures.