Former Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand died Wednesday following an apparent suicide attempt, her family confirmed this afternoon in a statement. She was 29.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
It continued:
Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn today.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 life-long friends by her side. As a practicing Christian, Gia did receive the sacrament of last rites.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once they have been made, according to the statement. Allemand’s family asks for privacy in the meantime.
News of Allemand’s hospitalization broke Tuesday. At the time, she was listed in critical condition “following a serious emergency medical event,” according to her rep. No further details were released.
A source close to the reality star on Tuesday told Celebuzz her condition was “not related to her health, disease or degenerative condition in any way. It’s not that sort of health issue.”
The Maxim model and New York native first launched to stardom when she appeared on Season 14 of ABC’s The Bachelor, vying for the the love of pilot Jake Pavelka. She then went on to appear in two seasons of its spin-off, Bachelor Pad, in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
In wake of Allemand’s death, Pavelka released a statement to Celebuzz, saying:
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 angel today.
