Family, friends, and former "Bachelor" contestants are speaking out about the alleged suicide of former reality star and model, Gia Allemand, US Weekly reported.
Allemand, 29, died on Wednesday at New Orleans University Hospital after a suicide attempt two days earlier. The former "Bachelor" contestant was currently dating Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Pelicans.
"I'm deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans," Anderson said in a statement to People magazine. "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. All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared," he said.
Jake Pavelka, who Gia was competing for on season 14 of "The Bachelor," tweeted "I had to pull over, I can't stop crying. We have lost an angel."
"I am in complete shock and devastated to hear the news about Gia. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever know." Pavelka said. "And a very dear friend. My heart goes out to her family during this very difficult time. We have lost angel today. I miss you Gia."
Former contestant Holly Julian also tweeted about Allemand's death.
"We all really are a family... #Bachelor #BachelorPad #Bachelorette We love you Gia!" Julian said. She also retweeted a number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline., originally sent out by E!Online's twitter account.
Trista Sutter, the first Bachelorette, expressed her sorrow regarding news of Allemand's death on twitter.
"Been disconnected from the world for a couple hours & just hearing the news about @GiaAllemand. My heart is heavy. #prayforGia," she tweeted.
"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," a family statement said.
Mike Fleiss, creator and executive producer of "The Bachelor", released a statement as well.
The entire Bachelor family is tremendously saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, Gia. She was truly a sweet and generous soul. This is a devastating loss for anyone who ever knew her."
Anderson found Allemand unconscious in their New Orleans home on Monday. She was then rushed to the hospital where she remained on life support. According to family, Allemand died "peacefully with her mother, boyfriend and other lifelong friends by her side."
