The founder of 16 Handles was ‘very healthy’ before his death at 44, says a friend (exclusive)

Friends and family of Solomon Choi are mourning his unexpected death.

The founder of 16 Handles died on June 7. He was 44 years old. His friend Pedram Hendizadeh, a foot surgeon in New York, spoke to PEOPLE about the young entrepreneur’s legacy after his death.

“It was a big, big shock,” says Hendizadeh. “Solomon was very healthy, very happy, very optimistic and full of energy. Nobody saw this coming.”

The cause of death has not yet been determined.

While Choi’s loved ones mourn the loss, Hendizadeh says he is so grateful to have known him. “We are all very, very sad, but whoever spent time with him was a happy person, and I can tell you that I am very, very proud and happy that he was a friend of mine,” he says.

Hendizadeh met Choi in 2015, but still learned something new about him at his friend’s memorial service, where Hendizadeh also gave a speech.

“I left the funeral inspired and met so many other people whose lives he had touched, who I didn’t even know he was friends with,” says Hendizadeh. “The place was packed. They had a tribute to his life (on a screen). They showed moments from his childhood, him growing up, dancing and singing.”

“He had a great sense of style and someone said at the funeral, ‘Solomon could wear ripped jeans and look good in them.’ He just had that… He exuded confidence.”

Hendizadeh says Choi always “aimed high and achieved them all.” Even after selling 16 handles in 2022, he continued to strive for new opportunities.

“He sold his business about a year and a half to two years ago, which was one of his goals. And I remember he was a little depressed afterward. He said, ‘I lost my identity. I was successful at one thing. Maybe I was just lucky. Maybe I won’t be successful at my next venture,'” Hendizadeh says. “He was a little depressed, but that was only for a short time. And then he started giving talks and consulting other companies, other fast-food restaurants, and he felt very fulfilled and very proud.”

The fact that he managed his time wisely was a sign of Choi’s happiness, says his friend.

“Even when we met for lunch, we met for lunch at 12:30, at 2 p.m. he said, ‘I have to go.’ I said, ‘Wait, where are you going?’ He said, ‘I’m sorry. I have to pick up my son,'” he says. “He always had a specific amount of time scheduled and that’s what I learned the most – that life is short and his death is proof of that.”

“He had only a short time on this earth and he made the most of it. He accomplished more in 44 years than five people do in their whole lives. He was very punctual, he always paid attention to the time, but perhaps he didn’t know that his time on this earth was short.”

Other friends and colleagues have expressed their appreciation for Choi’s legacy. Following the news of his death, current owner and CEO of 16 Handles, Neil Hershman, released a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Solomon Choi, founder and former CEO of 16 Handles,” Hershman said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. “He was a visionary who came to New York City in his 20s and founded this iconic frozen dessert brand. 16 Handles is where I personally got my start in franchising and I owe so much to Solomon for the opportunities, training, mentorship and friendship he provided me over the years.”

“Part of 16 Handles’ mission statement is to ‘create moments of happiness,’ and Solomon truly embodied that in his personal and professional life,” he continued, “always with a big smile and an optimistic attitude.”