Survivor TV show contestant dies in Philippines

MANILA (Reuters) - A Bulgarian competing in the reality TV show "Survivor Bulgaria" died of a heart attack during filming at a beach resort in the central Philippines, local television reported on Sunday.

Moncho Vodnicharov, 53, died on the way to hospital after he collapsed at Gotta Beach resort while filming the show on Saturday, ABS-CBN television said, quoting local police chief Ayn Natuel.

"After performing an activity as part of the contest, he suffered cardiac arrest that resulted in his instant death," said Natuel.

Contestants of the reality TV show "Survivor" and its various franchises are usually isolated in a remote location where they compete against each other for $1 million prize and title of Sole Survivor.

They must fend for food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves while competing in challenges to earn rewards and immunity from being voted off. In the past, some contestants have been eliminated due to medical reasons.