Young influencer Chase Filandro from New York dies at 20, leaving a legacy of joy

Chase Filandro, a young influencer, amateur actor, and passionate traveler, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2025, at age 20 in New York City. Known for his vibrant energy and charisma, he amassed over 30,000 followers on Instagram, where he shared his adventures in U.S. national parks. His sister, Franki Ford, described him as “a shining light” with an “incredible zest for life.” The cause of his death was not disclosed, respecting the family’s privacy. His loss shocked friends, colleagues, and followers, who came together to honor him, while a fund was created to perpetuate his love for nature.

The New York community and Chase Filandro’s followers are still grappling with the sudden loss of such a charismatic young man. He was a student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a vocalist for the indie band Just Add Water, which performed in Long Island.

• Passion for acting: Chase appeared in theater productions and two short films, including “F*ck It We Ball” (2022).
• Love for nature: His Instagram posts showcased the beauty of national parks, where he easily made friends.
• Local impact: He was active in Huntington’s cultural scene, connected to Take 2 Actor’s Studio.

Chase’s death sparked a wave of tributes on social media, with friends and fans sharing memories of his warm smile and contagious energy.

Tributes that echo a legacy

The news of Chase Filandro’s passing, announced on August 1, 2025, triggered an outpouring of heartfelt messages. His sister, Franki Ford, shared a tribute on Instagram, noting how Chase turned casual encounters into lasting friendships. A close friend wrote on TikTok: “You were my best friend, an angel now shining in the sky.” Another colleague from a film set recalled the joy of working with him, describing him as “the funniest guy on set.” Take 2 Actor’s Studio in Huntington, where Chase honed his skills, posted a note saying he “lit up every room.” These messages reflect the profound impact the young man had on his community.

Chase’s funeral was scheduled for August 8 at the First Congregational Church of Bay Shore, with public visitations on August 6 and 7 at Branch Funeral Home in Commack. The family requested donations to the National Parks Foundation instead of flowers, reinforcing their wish to honor Chase’s love for nature.

A life dedicated to art and adventure

Born on February 21, 2005, in Woodbury, New York, Chase Filandro grew up with a creative and adventurous spirit. He began acting at a young age, training with renowned teachers like Mary McCann at the Atlantic Acting School. His career included roles in short films like “Son of Gacy,” a horror movie, and local theater productions. As a vocalist for Just Add Water, Chase performed with infectious energy, with a memorable show in Brooklyn cited by friends as one of his standout moments.

Beyond the arts, Chase found inspiration in nature. He frequently visited national parks, capturing stunning landscapes in photos shared with his followers. His ability to connect with people was remarkable: on trails, he greeted strangers with a smile, turning fleeting encounters into meaningful moments.

• Favorite parks: Chase had a special fondness for places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, according to friends.
• Authentic photography: His images captured the essence of nature without heavy filters, reflecting his genuine vision.
• Trail friendships: Stories of meeting fellow travelers were common in his posts.
• Environmental commitment: He promoted park preservation, encouraging followers to respect nature.

A memorial to immortalize passions

To honor Chase’s memory, his sister Franki Ford launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a memorial in one of the national parks he loved. In just two days, the initiative surpassed $24,000, showing the impact Chase had on his community. “We want people to visit the memorial and feel Chase’s presence beside them,” Franki wrote. The campaign was updated to include a second memorial in New York, closer to his hometown.

The choice of national parks for the memorial reflects Chase’s essence. He didn’t just visit these places; he lived them deeply, connecting with nature and the people he met. The family plans to share details about the memorial’s exact location once decisions are finalized, allowing fans and friends to visit and celebrate his life.

• Campaign goal: Create a permanent space to celebrate Chase’s life.
• Community support: Over 300 donors contributed in under 48 hours.
• Future plans: A second memorial in New York is under consideration.
• Transparency: The family keeps donors informed about progress.

Impact on social media

Chase’s death reverberated across social media, where he built a following of over 35,000 on Instagram, according to some sources. His posts, blending travel photos with personal moments, were marked by authenticity. A friend noted in a tribute: “You made me laugh even on the darkest days, always with a joke or a spontaneous dance.” These words echo the sentiments of many who saw Chase as a source of inspiration and light.

The online community also rallied to support the fundraising campaign. Influencers and colleagues shared Chase’s story, encouraging donations and keeping his memory alive. The hashtag #ChaseFilandroMemories emerged organically, with fans posting photos and stories of moments shared with the young man.

Long Island’s cultural scene

Chase was a familiar figure in Long Island’s cultural scene, where his band Just Add Water performed regularly. The five-member indie rock group captivated local audiences. Friends recall rehearsals at colleagues’ homes, where Chase arrived with his characteristic energy, always stopping to chat before taking the stage. His presence at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts also put him on the radar of young artists, and he was seen as a rising talent.

Take 2 Actor’s Studio highlighted his dedication, noting how he turned rehearsals into moments of joy. “Chase didn’t just act; he lived every role with passion,” an instructor said in a public statement. His loss leaves a void in the local arts community but also inspires new talents to pursue their dreams with the same intensity.

• Memorable shows: The band’s Brooklyn performance was a milestone for friends and fans.
• Artistic training: Chase studied with respected names like Regina Schnieder.
• Stage presence: He was known for his authenticity on and off stage.
• Local inspiration: Young Long Islanders see Chase as an example of dedication.

A void that inspires unity

Chase Filandro’s tragic death has united people from different parts of his life. From bandmates to trail friends, all share stories of how he touched them with his generosity and enthusiasm. The fundraising campaign continues to grow, with donors from across the country contributing to preserve his legacy. The family, still grieving, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that each donation is a testament to Chase’s impact.

Close friends are planning events in his memory, including group hikes in national parks to share stories and celebrate his life. These initiatives show how Chase’s influence extends beyond social media, touching hearts in a profound and lasting way.