Days after the family of Finding Prince Charming alum Chad Spodick announced his “sudden and heartbreaking” death, his cause of death has been confirmed.

Spodick, who appeared on the 2016 Logo reality dating series, died in December at age 42. His loved ones shared the news through a GoFundMe campaign created to help his mother cover funeral costs and other unexpected expenses.

A spokesperson for the Boca Raton Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Spodick died by suicide. The spokesperson added that the investigation into his death remains open, and no additional details have been released.

On the GoFundMe page, organizer Kate Werbowski wrote that she and Spodick’s family are “still struggling to comprehend a world without his light” after what she described as a “devastating” loss.

“Chad was the type of person who poured himself into others,” she wrote. “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 — especially his four dogs and his bird, Cosmo.”

Werbowski added, “The world was brighter with Chad in it, and those lucky enough to know him felt the warmth of his heart every day.”

The fundraiser was organized to support Spodick’s mother, Felice Harwood, who is now navigating both profound grief and the financial strain of funeral arrangements and daily expenses. More than $27,000 has been raised so far.

Spodick became known for his appearance on Finding Prince Charming, hosted by Lance Bass, where he was among 13 contestants competing for the affection of Robert Sepúlveda Jr. He exited the show after six weeks and later claimed that Sepúlveda attempted to pursue him and other former contestants after filming, according to Just Jared.