‘Finding Prince Charming’ contestant was 42

Chad Spodick, a contestant on the reality dating series Finding Prince Charminghas died. He was 42, per PEOPLE.

“Chad was a thoughtful soul who loved deeply,” Spodick’s Finding Prince Charming costar Sam Provenzano tells Entertainment Weekly. “I never expected a friend to come from a reality show, but I’m grateful I met him. He adored his mother, and my prayers are with her and his loved ones. He’ll be missed. I hope he knew how much he was loved.”

His death was confirmed by a GoFundMe page set up by his loved ones on Thursday.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of our beautiful, kind, and generous son, brother and friend Chad,” a statement on the page read. “His passing was sudden and heartbreaking, and we are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light.”

It went on to describe Spodick as “the type of person who poured himself into others,” adding, “He lifted up his friends, encouraged everyone around him to grow, to advocate for themselves, and to believe in their own worth.”

The statement continued, “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.”

The GoFundMe was established by Kate Werbowski to raise funds to help Spodick’s mother, Felice Harwood, cover “funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses” and to “support her and Chad’s animals” moving forward.

“Thank you for helping us honor Chad’s memory and support the people — and animals — he loved most,” the statement concluded.

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Spodick was a contestant on the first and only season of Logo’s Finding Prince Charmingwhich aired in 2016 and was hosted by NSYNC’s Lance Bass. He ultimately exited the series in its sixth week, and later claimed that the titular Prince Charming, Robert Sepúlveda Jr., tried to pursue him and other former contestants after it ended, per Just Jared.

In the wake of his death, friends and loved ones have taken to the comments section of Spodick’s final Instagram post to honor to him, with many remembering his positivity and kindness.

His niece also encouraged Spodick’s friends to donate to his GoFundMe to “support our family.”

Spodick is survived by his mom Felice, as well as his family and pets.