US reality star’s sad cause of death revealed

A reality TV contestant who found fame on a groundbreaking dating show has died at the age of 42 from a tragic cause.

A cause of death for former reality TV contestant Chad Spodick has been revealed, days after the former Finding Prince Charming star’s passing at age 42.

A spokesperson for the Boca Raton police department confirmed to People today that Spodick died by suicide. His case remains open.

The news of the reality star’s “sudden and heartbreaking” death was announced by loved ones via a GoFundMe page on December 4.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of our beautiful, kind and generous son, brother and friend Chad,” his friend Kate Werbowski wrote.

The money raised will help Spodick’s mother, Felice Harwood, plan “funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses.”

Spodick’s final Instagram post.

The former reality star was only 42.

“We are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light,” Werbowski continued. “Chad was the type of person who poured himself into others.”

“He lifted up his friends, encouraged everyone around him to grow, to advocate for themselves, and to believe in their own worth,” Spodick’s close pal noted.

Werbowski also touched on the late actor’s love for animals.

“He cared deeply for every creature, especially his four beloved dogs and his bird, Cosmo,” she detailed. “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.”

Over $US27,000 was raised, surpassing the GoFundMe’s $US20,000 goal.

Spodick showed off his fitness regime on social media.

It’s been a decade since he found TV fame on the groundbreaking dating show.

The funds will go towards Spodick’s funeral arrangements and his mother’s living expenses, along with continuing to “support her and Chad’s animals during this incredibly painful time.”

Spodick first rose to fame while competing on Finding Prince Charming in 2016.

The series was the first all-gay dating show and followed 13 single men living together as they compete for the heart of “eligible gay heart-throb” Robert Sepulveda Jr.

Spodick ended up quitting the series, which was hosted by Lance Bass, after six weeks.

After news of his death broke, commenters flocked to Spodick’s last social media post.

“RIP Dear Beautiful Chad. You were loved and the aviation community mourns you and will always remember you,” one social media user wrote beneath his Nov. 21 post. “A great flight attendant, a good man, a lover of all animals, a good friend and son to Felece.”

“RIP Chad,” another person shared. “Always so kind.”

“My beautiful uncle,” his niece commented. “Fly high uncle chad love you forever. Please donate if you can to support our family any contributions are appreciated.”

Along with reality television and modelling, Spodick briefly acted in the early 2000s. He appeared on Law & Order and Yards in 2000 and Boys of Sunset Ridge in 2001.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as US reality star’s sad cause of death revealed