Chase Filandro, a 20-year-old musician, actor, and content creator from New York City, was a junior studying acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
On August 4th, his sister, Franki Ford, announced his passing. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, she described Chase as “a shining light” with a love for travel and National Parks. She shared plans to create a memorial near one of his favorite parks, launching a GoFundMe in his honor.
Though Ford did not initially disclose the cause of death, PEOPLE later confirmed that Filandro died by suicide on July 31st, according to the NYC Medical Examiner.
His family described him as a multi-talented artist and a “beacon of light” who deeply touched those around him.
Friends and followers have filled his final Instagram post with messages of grief, love, and admiration for the impact he left behind.