Former Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand has died after an apparent suicide attempt in New Orleans. The 29-year-old reality star was found by her boyfriend, New Orleans Pelicans player Ryan Anderson, at her home on Monday night.
Allemand’s family released a statement on Wednesday describing the events that had occurred over the past few days: “Television personality and Model/Actress Gia Marie Allemand (29) passed away today at University Hospital, New Orleans. While in her residency in New Orleans on Monday night, Ms. Allemand was found by her boyfriend, NBA Basketball Player Ryan Anderson, following an apparent suicide attempt. Mr. Anderson contacted 911 and emergency medical crews were immediately dispatched to the scene.”
“Tuesday, Ms. Allemand remained in the hospital unconscious in critical condition and on life support. Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn [Wednesday]. Ms. Allemand passed away peacefully with her mother, boyfriend, and other life-long 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,” the statement continues. “Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in another official statement once available. On behalf of the family, we sincerely ask for privacy at this time.”
Although there has been recent speculation that Allemand and Anderson’s relationship had become rocky, the NBA player released a statement expressing his love for her after she died, “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.”
Beauty and the Geek host Brian McFayden, a close friend to Allemand, told FOX that she had a lot of insecurities and was was “looking for attention from guys.”
“She was looking for love,” he added. “She was lost.”
Allemand’s last tweet was posted on Sunday night, when she quoted the Bible verse Proverbs 21:3: “Doing what is right and fair pleases The Lord more than an offering.”
