“Finding Prince Charming” Alum Chad Spodick’s Cause of Death Confirmed Days After Family Announces ‘Heartbreaking’ Loss (Exclusive)

NEED TO KNOW

• Finding Prince Charming alum Chad Spodick died in December at 42

• His loved ones shared the news of his “sudden and heartbreaking” death on a GoFundMe page

• PEOPLE has confirmed Spodick’s cause of death five days after the online campaign was launched

Days after Finding Prince Charming alum Chad Spodick died at age 42, his cause of death has been determined.

Spodick’s death was revealed by his loved ones who set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his mother to help cover funeral expenses and other unexpected bills related to his death, which was described as “sudden and heartbreaking.”

A spokesperson for the Boca Raton police department confirmed to PEOPLE that Spodick’s death was a suicide, but noted that the case regarding his death remains open. No further details were made available.

On the GoFundMe, campaign organizer Kate Werbowski wrote that she and Spodick’s loved ones are “still struggling to comprehend a world without his light” in the wake of the “devastating” loss.

“Chad was the type of person who poured himself into others,” she wrote. “He lifted up his friends, encouraged everyone around him to grow, to advocate for themselves, and to believe in their own worth. His love for animals was unmatched — he cared deeply for every creature, especially his four beloved dogs and his bird, Cosmo.”

“The world was brighter with Chad in it, and those who were lucky enough to know him felt the warmth of his heart every day,” she continued.

Werbowski set up the fundraiser to benefit his mom, Felice Harwood, as she is faced “not only with unimaginable grief, but with the unexpected financial burden of funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses.”

Over $27,000 has been raised for Harwood since the fundraiser was organized.

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Chad Spodnick/Instagram

Chad Spodick

Spodick was best known for appearing on Finding Prince Charming, a 2016 Logo reality series hosted by Lance Bass. He was one of 13 men who vied for Robert Sepélveda Jr.’s heart on the dating competition nearly a decade ago.

He quit the show after six weeks, and later accused the lead, Sepélveda, 42, of trying to pursue him and other former contestants after the show ended, Just Jared reported at the time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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