Gia Allemand, 29, died Aug. 14, leaving a countless number of people mourning across the country. Facebook
Gia Allemand, a Howard Beach native and finalist on the reality television show “The Bachelor,” died Aug. 14 after reportedly hanging herself in her New Orleans home, devastating family, friends and fans across the country.
Allemand, 29, was found by her boyfriend, NBA star Ryan Anderson following “an apparent suicide attempt,” her publicist said in a statement. After being taken to a hospital, the model and actress was taken off life support “due to a critical loss of brain and organ function,” according to the statement.
Born in Howard Beach, Allemand grew up on Staten Island and Long Island and graduated from Lindenhurst High School in 2001. She began modelling at a young age – even appearing as a Gerber baby for Johnson & Johnson – and went on to become a face recognized across the nation when she landed a spot as a contestant on the 14th season of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” which aired in 2010. She was the second to last contestant to be eliminated by the bachelor, Jake Pavelka.
Following her stint on “The Bachelor,” Allemand starred in the network’s spinoff of the reality show, “Bachelor Pad,” also in 2010.
Described as a talented young woman who gave her all to her family and friends, Allemand is being mourned by a countless number of people throughout the country – and world. Thousands of people have joined a Facebook memorial page for her, and there are hundreds of condolence messages written on the memorial website set up by Papavero Funeral Home in Maspeth, where her wake took place on Wednesday. Her funeral is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Grace Church of Chelsea at 315 West 22nd St. in Manhattan.
“Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out, and she always smiled and made everyone else around her smile,” Ryan said in a statement. “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.”
Many fans of “The Bachelor” flocked to Papavero’s guestbook for Allemand, leaving messages of support for her family.
“Gia, I hope you have found the peace and love you needed,” one woman wrote. “You will soar with the angels. Your beautiful smile and bright soul will forever be remembered by your family, friends and fans. You were a star shining so bright, and you will continue to shine from heaven above. Rest in peace and know you will never be forgotten. You made your mark on the world, even if it was cut short.”
In an obituary on Papavero Funeral Home’s website, Allemand was called the “loving girlfriend ‘Petrie’ of Ryan ‘Snuggy’ Anderson, beloved daughter and little princess of Donna Micheletti and stepdaughter of Tony Micheletti, loving sister of Dylan and Erick, most cherished granddaughter of Marie (Nonna) Coltrinari, devoted Godchild of Fred and Annemarie Coltrinari” and “dear cousin of Brian, Ellen, Kevin and Julie.” According to the obituary, she is also survived by “her dear dog Bentley.”
By Anna Gustafson
