Chad Spodick, a contestant on the groundbreaking 2016 gay dating series Finding Prince Charming, has died unexpectedly at age 42. His family confirmed the news through a GoFundMe page created to support funeral expenses and help care for his beloved pets.
Spodick, one of 13 men who competed for the heart of Robert Sepúlveda Jr. on the Logo network series hosted by Lance Bass, was remembered by family and friends as warm, generous and deeply compassionate. The fundraising page described his death as “sudden and heartbreaking,” noting that the family is still struggling to process the loss.
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“Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of our beautiful, kind and generous son, brother and friend Chad,” family friend Kate Werbowski wrote on the GoFundMe. “We are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light.”
No cause of death has been released, but the family emphasized that the loss was “entirely unexpected.”
Spodick first entered the public eye nearly a decade ago with Finding Prince Charming, one of the earliest attempts at a mainstream, all-gay dating reality series. He appeared on six episodes before leaving the show and later made headlines over claims involving off-camera interactions with the show’s lead. Despite the drama that followed the series, Spodick remained a recognizable figure in early LGBTQ+ reality TV history.
The GoFundMe page, organized with the support of Spodick’s mother, Felice Harwood, highlights the emotional and financial burden now facing the family. “His mother is faced not only with unimaginable grief, but with the unexpected financial burden of funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses,” Werbowski wrote. Funds will also help support Spodick’s cherished animals — including his four dogs and his bird, Cosmo — whom he considered family.
Beyond his television stint, Spodick was remembered as someone who uplifted those around him. “Chad was the type of person who poured himself into others,” Werbowski shared. “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 … The world was brighter with Chad in it.”
Since news of his passing was shared, tributes have filled the comments section of his final Instagram post, shared on Nov. 21. Friends and fans described him as “so kind,” “pure-hearted” and a “bright soul gone too soon.” His niece also commented on the post, urging people to donate to the fundraiser “to support our family.”
As of this week, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $12,000 in Spodick’s memory.
For many LGBTQ+ viewers who remember the early days of queer reality dating TV, Spodick’s presence on Finding Prince Charming marked a moment in pop culture where gay love stories were just beginning to enter mainstream spaces. His friends and family say his legacy — one rooted in kindness, generosity and an enduring love for animals — will be remembered far beyond the show that introduced him to the world.
Donations to support Spodick’s family and pets remain open on the GoFundMe page created in his honor.
