Chase Filandro, a 20-year-old influencer based in New York City, died on July 31
The content creator will be remembered as “a beacon of light with a magnetic personality and zest for life,” his family wrote in a statement to PEOPLE
Filandro’s sister Franki Ford has raised over $26,000 through a GoFundMe for a memorial to her late brother in or near one of his favorite national parks
The New York City-based content creator and amateur actor is remembered by his family as “a beacon of light with a magnetic personality and zest for life”
A cause of death has been revealed for Chase Filandro.
The New York City-based content creator died by suicide at age 20 on July 31, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE.
“It was Chase’s own decision to enter Heaven,” Filandro’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE.
His family described the influencer, who was a junior at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as “a talented artist with boundless creativity.”
“He was a singer, musician, actor, teacher, artist, poet, and painter,” the statement continues. “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 sister, Franki Ford, first shared the news of his death with a tribute on her Instagram on Aug. 4, writing that her brother was an “avid traveler” and a lover of national parks. “He always welcomed strangers with a smile and made friends along all the trails he traveled on,” she wrote.
Filandro was a vocalist for the five-part indie rock band Just Add Water, which played gigs throughout Long Island. He performed in a show with the group as recently as last summer.
Take 2 Studio, an acting school based in Huntington, N.Y., with which Filandro was affiliated, also honored the late actor on Instagram, writing that he would be remembered for his “vibrant spirit” and “the joy he brought into every room.”
“His presence was a gift, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” the tribute continued.
To remember her brother, Ford started a GoFundMe to raise money for a memorial near or in one of Filandro’s favorite national parks. As of Aug. 6, the fundraiser had brought in over $26,000.
“My brother, Chase Filandro, was a shining light who had an incredible zest for life,” wrote Ford in the GoFundMe post. “He was loved beyond words by so many and opened his heart to everyone he encountered.”
“Chase brought joy, creativity, and inspiration to so many,” his family said in their statement to PEOPLE. “While our hearts are shattered by this tremendous loss, we find comfort in knowing that his artistic legacy and the love he shared will never be forgotten.”
Continues the statement: “We ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the beautiful life Chase lived.”
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