Jake Pavelka Speaks Out About Gia Allemand Death
Former "Bachelor" star Jake Pavelka has issued a statement following the death of Gia Allemand.
Allemand vied for Pavelka's heart during a 2010 edition of "The Bachelor." She took third place to Tenley Molzahn and winner Vienna Girardi. On Wednesday it was announced that Allemand had passed following a two-night stay in a New Orleans hospital.
Allemand was transported to the hospital on Monday night after her boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson, discovered her in what appeared to be an attempted suicide. Allemand was immediately place in an Intensive Care Unit and put on life support, but due to brain and organ damage, family members decided to let her go.
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"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 an angel today," Pavelka said in a statement to People magazine. He is one of many "Bachelor" stars who have come forward.
Vienna, now Pavelka's ex, also mourned the former "Bachelor" contestant on Twitter.
"Gia you are my angel! You changed so many lives with your beautiful soul and will be missed and loved forever."
Most people who met or worked with Allemand agreed that she had a sweet disposition and a giving heart. Lauren Stafford, Brand Manager for Herbal Essences, said the former company spokeswoman was a "beautiful" person.
"Gia was a friend to the Herbal Essences brand, and a beautiful person inside and out. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known her, and our hearts are with her loved ones during this very difficult time," Stafford told E! News.
Allemand's boyfriend echoed a similar statement while speaking with People magazine.
"I'm deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans. 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."
