Andy DehnartFashion designer and Project Runway season 4 contestant Chris March died Thursday. He was 56.
He died from a heart attack, according to TMZ, two years after an accident left him in a coma, and then later with debilitating injuries, including paralysis in his legs.
Earlier this year, Chris’ friends organized a fundraiser for him, writing that he was experiencing “a very difficult, delicate and demoralizing hospitalization” and then time in a recovery facility, where “he’s had to deal with homophobia, shortage of rehab personnel and lack of funds.”
In an update on a GoFundMe page posted earlier this year, Chris described his situation: “Where I am now is unbearable and makes me anxious and depressed every day. I have considered suicide many times. I have tried my best to make strides. There is a long road of physical therapy ahead of me.”
While that campaign raised more than $59,000 so far, it’s unclear if he left the facility.
Chris March’s reality TV and fashion careers
Chris designed for Beyoncé, Meryl Streep, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and even The Real Housewives of New York‘s Sonja Morgan, among others. His portfolio highlights costumes, hair, and fashion gowns that he created.
Six years ago, he also designed a collection of Halloween wigs for Target, which Target described as “eight show-stopping styles: Geisha, Greaser, Starlet, Witch, Medusa, Monster Bride, Mohawk and Afro.”
Chris’ first major television appearance was on Project Runway season 4 in 2007. He was eliminated in the fourth episode, after a team challenge, but was brought back in episode five after another designer left for medical reasons. He made it to the finale, but was eliminated in its first part, placing fourth overall.
In 2011, Chris starred in his own Bravo series, Mad Fashion, on which he designed dresses for Jennifer Coolidge, Chrissy Teigen, and other celebrities.
He later competed on Project Runway All-Stars season four, placing 12th.
After he died, Bravo released this statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Chris March’s passing. He was a favorite among Bravo fans and the fashion community. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. He will truly be missed.”
Bravo’s Andy Cohen posted a photo to Instagram of Chris March in costume on a Halloween episode of Watch What Happens Live. “He had a big booming laugh; he was a joy and delight,” Cohen wrote.