Gia Allemand starred in season 14 of the hit US reality show, she tragically died at the age of 29
Gia Allemand died on Wednesday
Former Bachelor star Gia Allemand has died at the age of 29 after committing suicide.
Her
shocked boyfriend has led tributes to the “most beautiful person I
knew” after the reality star reportedly hung herself on Monday.
NBA
player Ryan Anderson is thought to have discovered his girlfriend, who
was a runner-up in season 14 of the US show, hanging and unconscious and
dialled 911, according to TMZ.
Gia was put on life-support on
Monday and her shattered family held a bedside vigil by her hospital bed
until they announced her tragic death just two days later. Gia was last pictured less than two weeks ago
Her mother Donna was pictured weeping outside the hospital with Gia's shattered sister
The statement said: “Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn today.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.
“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.”
Series 14 bachelor Jake Pavelka paid tribute to Gia, who just missed out on getting to the final of the ABC show. Ryan has paid tribute to his girlfriend
He tweeted: “I had to pull over, we lost an angel.”
Close
friend Melinda Farina tweeted: “I just lost one of the most special
friends I could have ever had… please everyone just back off. I'm
completely heartbroken and empty.”
Gia was last seen at a
Bachelorette finale viewing party looking pretty in a floral dress – but
shared cryptic messages just four days before her death.
She
posted a picture of trees on Instagram, with the message: “Legend says,
when you can't sleep at night, it's because you're awake in someone
else's dream.” One of Gia's last Instagram posts
Gia met boyfriend Ryan after starring in the Bachelor in 2010
and posted pictures of the pair happy on the beach in recent months.
In his statement, Ryan said: 'I'm deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans.'
Adding:
'All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help
perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared.'
