Chase Filandro was a musician, an actor, and content creator who lived in New York City. He was a junior at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he was studying acting.
Sadly, on August 4th, his sister, Franki Ford announced the sad news that her brother had died. He was just 20 years old.
Ford wrote on Instagram, “My brother, Chase Filandro, was a shining light who had an incredible zest for life. He was loved beyond words by so many and opened his heart to everyone he encountered. Chase was an avid traveler and was moved by the beauty of National Parks. He always welcomed strangers with a smile and made friends along all the trails he traveled on.”
In her brother’s memory, she explained that she wanted to “a memorial for him to be located at or near one of his favorite parks,” and she set up a GoFundMe to raise money for this memorial.
What Ford didn’t reveal is her brother’s cause of death.
PEOPLE reveals that Filandro died on July 31st, and the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that his cause of death was suicide.
In a statement to PEOPLE, the Filando family shared, “It was Chase’s own decision to enter Heaven.” They went on to describe him as “a talented artist with boundless creativity.”
His family shared, “He was a singer, musician, actor, teacher, artist, poet, and painter.” They added, “Chase was a beacon of light with a magnetic personality and zest for life that touched everyone he encountered, both in person and online.”
Filandro’s most recent Instagram post was on June 26th, only about a month before he died, and his friends and followers have taken to the comments to express their disbelief that he’s really gone.
One comment reads, “So sad to think the pain that was hidden behind his beautiful smile and talent. Hoping he is resting in pure bliss!”
Another comment reads, “Rest in paradise bro. We never met but your videos inspired me.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Filandro, his art, his life and his death.
