Chad Spodick -- the former "Finding Prince Charming" contestant who died last week -- passed away from suicide, police tell TMZ.

Boca Raton PD in Florida confirmed the manner of death, but declined to give further details.

News of the reality star's death shook friends and family, who set up a GoFundMe to help pay for his funeral and expenses related to his five pets.

Family friend Kate Werbowski wrote, "His passing was sudden and heartbreaking, and we are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light."

Chad made it all the way to Episode 6 when he appeared on the 2016 show "Finding Prince Charming" -- a show like "The Bachelor" -- hosted by *NSYNC star Lance Bass .

While Chad became one of the final five guys on the show ... he shared his struggles with trust is

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