'Survivor' adventure ends for Bethel man

Bethel resident Chet Welch's torch has been snuffed out.

After enduring 17 days of primitive living and scrutiny from tribe mates, Welch walked off into the darkness Thursday night in the sixth episode of CBS Television's "Survivor: Micronesia -- Fans vs. Favorites."

Welch's dismissal left 13 competitors to fight for $1 million.

Welch's team continued its downward spiral as it lost not only the rewards challenge but also the immunity challenge.

Welch was cast away to Exile Island where he made no attempt to look for the hidden immunity item. He was convinced that Ozzy had already found it and felt there was no reason to search.

While on Exile Island, Welch stepped on a piece of coral that became wedged in his foot, causing a painful injury.

Knowing that he was unable to continue on, he begged his tribe to vote him off.

But the tribe members had other plans as they tried to convince Welch to help them take out Ozzy -- the strongest member of the Malakai tribe.

In the end, it was Welch how was sent home. He received the only four votes needed to send a tribe member packing.

Thin from a lack of food, he turned his almost skeleton-like body and said, "Love you guys."

Welch was selected from 96,000 applicants to become one of the 10 "fans" competing against 10 people who had appeared on previous years of "Survivor."

Welch arrived in Palau a week prior to the start of the filming on Oct. 29 and returned home after the game was over on Dec. 6.