Gia Allemand, who competed on season 14 of “The Bachelor,” died on Wednesday of an apparent suicide.
The 29-year-old had been on life support since Monday and had been categorized as being in “critical condition.” At first, it was unclear what had happened to the reality star, who was found in New Orleans and initially deemed the victim of a “serious emergency.”
Allemand had been on life support at University Hospital, with her mother and boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson were at her side.
According to the NY Daily News, Anderson found Allemand unconscious in her home after she hung herself on Monday night. By Wednesday, it was clear that she wouldn’t survive.
“Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn (on Wednesday),” her family said in a statement. “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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
In a statement to Us Weekly, Anderson expressed his grief over his girlfriend’s death.
“I’m deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends, and fans,” he said. “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.”
Prior to her death, Allemand tweeted a passage from the Bible, which perhaps was an indicator of her fragile emotional state.
Proverbs 21:3 “Doing what is right and fair pleases The Lord more than an offering”
— Gia Allemand (@GiaAllemand) August 11, 2013
