"The Bachelor" alum
Gia Allemand, who appeared on Season 14 of ABC's reality romance, has
died at the age of 29. Her family has released a statement saying that
she died following an apparent suicide attempt.
Word came out yesterday that the
vivacious model had been admitted to a New Orleans hospital in critical
condition after a “serious emergency medical event.”
Allemand
was found Monday night by her boyfriend, NBA basketball player Ryan
Anderson, and put on life support with Anderson and her mother by her
side.
The statement from Allemand's
family reads in part: "Due to a critical loss of brain and organ
function, life support was withdrawn today. Ms. Allemand passed away
peacefully with her mother, boyfriend, and other lifelong friends by her
side. As a practicing Christian, Gia did receive the sacrament of last
rites."
"Loved ones and fans
will remember Gia Allemand as a caring woman who loved her family and
was well-known for her compassion towards animals and mission to rescue
homeless pets."
"Funeral
arrangements will be forthcoming in another official statement once
available. On behalf of the family, we sincerely ask for privacy at this
time."
Anderson also released a
statement regarding his lost love, saying, "I'm deeply grateful for all
the love and support we have received from family, friends, and fans.
Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out, and she always
smiled and made everyone else around her smile."
"She had such an amazing impact
on my life and anyone that knew her was blessed," he continued. "All I
have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help
perpetuate the many values, faith, and love that we shared."
The reality star seemed healthy just a few days ago, tweeting a Bible verse and sharing an Instagram photo.
Allemand appeared on Jake
Pavelka's season of "The Bachelor," finishing as the second runner-up,
and later joined the first two seasons of "Bachelor" spinoff "Bachelor
Pad." During Pavelka's season, Allemand was the sweet, bubbly, and
beautiful girl everyone could root for.
On
"Bachelor Pad," she engaged in a "showmance" with fellow contestant Wes
Hayden, which broke up a relationship she had at the time. In Season 2,
she surprised viewers and fellow housemates by walking off the show
after feeling betrayed by ally Graham Bunn.
In
May 2011, Allemand began dating Anderson, then playing for the Orlando
Magic. As their relationship turned serious, she moved with the
basketball player to New Orleans when he was traded to the Pelicans.
Her sudden and mysterious death has shocked her friends, including her co-stars from “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor Pad.”
Pavelka, whose heart Allemand
vied for in Season 14, released a statement today: "I am in complete
shock and devastated to hear the news about Gia. She was one of the
sweetest people I have ever known. And a very dear friend. My heart goes
out to her family during this very difficult time. We have lost an
angel today."
"The Bachelor" host Chris
Harrison offered his condolences as well: "We are absolutely devastated
at the sad news of Gia’s passing. She was a wonderful person and we are
all that much better for having known her and having her in our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and we will very much
respect their privacy at this most difficult time."
Other members of “Bachelor” Nation tweeted their shock and sadness over Allemand’s passing:
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