Gia Allemand Dead At 29 In Apparent Suicide: Friends Of Former ‘Bachelor’ Contestant Allude To Signs Of Depression
"Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out and she always smiled and made everyone else around her smile,” said NBA player Ryan Anderson, who discovered his girlfriend Gia Allemand hanging in her house after she allegedly attempted suicide.
Allemand, a model-actress and former contestant on The Bachelor, died Wednesday from injuries she sustained in the attempt. She was 29.
"She had such an amazing impact on my life and anyone that knew her was blessed,” said Anderson. “All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared."
According to the Daily News, friends of the actress paint a slightly different picture of the reality star. They told media outlets that they knew Allemand was struggling with “insecurities.”
"I could tell there was some insecurity going. I was not 100 percent surprised. Nothing surprises me anymore," said Reid Rosenthal, a contestant on Season 6 of The Bachelor who was friends with Allemand. "I don’t know what she needed out of life. It’s sad. The last I heard we were supposed to be at an event this Thursday together."
TV host Brian McFayden echoed those sentiments, saying he also felt that Allemand was looking for something.
"She was looking for love. She was lost," McFayden said. "You met her and you can tell she was looking for attention from guys.”
Allemand’s family released a statement asking for privacy during this difficult time:
"Ms. Allemand passed away peacefully with her mother, boyfriend and other lifelong friends by her side… On behalf of the family, we kindly ask for privacy at this time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can reach the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to talk to a trained counselor. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
