"Floribama Shore's Kirk Medas Passes Away at 33, Just Hours After Former Castmates' Plea for Assistance"

 Kirk Medas, a former star of Floribama Shore, has tragically passed away at the age of 33 following a hospitalization for a severe case of necrotizing pancreatitis, PEOPLE has confirmed. Medas' father informed TMZ that the cause of death was liver failure.

An MTV spokesperson issued a statement on May 2 expressing sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kirk Medas, a beloved member of the Floribama Shore family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”

Medas' health battle was shared with fans by his close friend, Hall, on May 1. She revealed on Instagram that Medas had been hospitalized for two weeks, sedated, and placed on a ventilator after being diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis.

Nilsa Prowant also urged fans to offer their support through prayers. Along with Hall, Prowant shared a link to a GoFundMe established by Medas' family to help with medical expenses, which has raised over $27,000. The fundraiser, titled "Support Kirk Medas: Funeral Arrangement & Medical," explained that Medas did not have medical insurance, and donations would go toward medical bills and rehabilitation.

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatitis that causes inflammation so intense it leads to tissue death, which can result in both immediate and long-term complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Medas appeared on Floribama Shore for 25 episodes between 2017 and 2020.

On Friday, Hall posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, "We lost our brother, our best friend, our heart—Kirk." She recalled a touching moment before receiving the news of his passing when a dolphin repeatedly approached her, a symbol of the connection they shared over their love for dolphins and the ocean.

While heartbroken, Hall found peace in the thought that Medas was no longer in pain. “He’s in heaven now—free, whole, and making everyone laugh the way only he could,” she wrote. “Kirk had the kindest soul... He truly was the glue that held us all close.”

Prowant, in her own tribute to Medas, told PEOPLE, "Kirk could light up a room with his smile. His laughter was contagious. He was more than just a friend, he was family. His soul was the kindest, most genuine I’ve ever known."

Kirk’s loss has left a void in the lives of his friends, family, and fans, but his memory will live on in their hearts.