The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of Jasen Kaplan, a former contestant on the reality dating series Finding Prince Charming and a celebrated makeup artist. He was 46 years old.
Details of a Tragic Loss
According to a report from TMZ published on Friday, law enforcement sources have confirmed that Kaplan's death has been officially ruled a suicide. The former reality star passed away at a hospital in New York City on December 31. Initial reports from Page Six indicated that the NYPD had been investigating the death of a 46-year-old man at Kaplan's apartment building, with the chief medical examiner to determine the cause.
Kaplan's death comes just weeks after the 'sudden' passing of his former Finding Prince Charming castmate, Chad Spodick, aged 42, which was also confirmed as a suicide. This double tragedy has sent shockwaves through their community.
A Life in the Spotlight and Behind the Scenes
Jasen Kaplan was best known to television audiences for appearing on the first season of Logo TV's Finding Prince Charming in 2016, though he was eliminated in the second week. Beyond reality TV, he cultivated a highly successful career as a celebrity makeup artist, working with a roster of A-list clients including Eva Longoria, Lynda Carter, Cyndi Lauper, and Sonja Morgan.
He was a proud and devoted owner of his dog, Coco, who frequently appeared on his Instagram page, where he had amassed nearly 100,000 followers.
Tributes from Friends and Clients
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from friends and clients, painting a picture of a vibrant and generous individual. Bethenny Frankel, the Real Housewives of New York alum, shared an emotional post calling Kaplan "a one-of-a-kind gem" with "a positive energy that was truly infectious." She revealed he was more than her makeup artist, but also a close friend and a constant support, who had a genuine interest in everyone around him.
Kelly Osbourne also paid tribute on her Instagram Stories, expressing devastation at the loss of her friend of 25 years. "Thank you for all the love, laughter and joy you brought into my life," she wrote, adding that she would miss their late-night FaceTime calls. Osbourne assured followers that Kaplan's beloved dog, Coco, would always be cared for.
The news of Chad Spodick's death in December was confirmed via a GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral costs. Spodick, who had a passion for aviation and co-founded a luxury charter company, had celebrated his 42nd birthday just days before his passing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available 24/7 from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US by calling or texting 988, or via online chat at 988lifeline.org.
