Two contestants on Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test were forced to withdraw during the November 6 episode after suffering sudden medical emergencies in the Moroccan desert. Soccer icon Christie Pearce Rampone and TikTok star Mark Estes both exited the show on medical grounds. According to E! News, the production’s medical team made the final decision, prioritizing the safety of both recruits amid the show’s extreme physical conditions.
Christie Pearce Rampone’s Breathing Emergency
Retired U.S. Women’s National Team captain Christie Pearce Rampone faced a severe respiratory crisis overnight. She reportedly woke up struggling to breathe after hours of coughing in the harsh desert air. Special Forces medic Dr. Andy Brown examined her on-site and detected alarming lung sounds.
“Your chest sounds really tight and you’ve got lots of crackles in your lungs,” Dr. Brown told Rampone, as reported by E! News.
The medical team concluded that continuing would pose a serious health risk. An emotional Rampone accepted the decision, marking one of the season’s most dramatic exits.
Mark Estes Suffers Painful Ear Injury
Social media personality Mark Estes also left the competition after enduring a painful ear injury. Following multiple endurance challenges, Estes complained of intense ear pain and swelling. The medic warned that the condition could cause permanent disfigurement if untreated.
Despite Estes’ plea to remain in the challenge, the team ruled him out on medical grounds. He was transported to a hospital for specialist care and expressed deep disappointment as he left camp.
Impact on the Remaining Contestants
The simultaneous withdrawal of Rampone and Estes shocked their fellow recruits. The show’s directing staff acknowledged the “determination and resilience” both displayed before their medical exits. Their departures further underscore the real physical dangers faced by participants in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
The reduction in contestants has intensified competition among the remaining group, who continue to endure extreme mental and physical tests under the Moroccan sun.
What’s Next for Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test
The season continues with a smaller, highly motivated lineup. Each episode pushes recruits closer to their limits as they strive to complete the elite military training course.
New episodes of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test air weekly on Fox and stream next day on Hulu. The show remains one of the network’s top-performing unscripted programs this fall, keeping audiences hooked with its authentic, high-stakes challenges.
