Friends and co-stars of The Bachelor star Gia Allemand are reacting with shock and sadness to the death of the 29-year-old model this week.
Gia was taken to University Hospital in New Orleans on Monday night, where she was listed in critical condition following a medical emergency.
The details that brought her there were not known until after Gia Allemand died. Her cause of death appears to have been suicide by hanging.
As she was in critical condition and on life support, she received an outpouring of prayers and support from her friends and co-stars of Bachelor Nation.
Now that she has passed away, those that knew her well are expressing their condolences, memories and love for the reality star and model. A sampling:
Jake Pavelka: “I am in complete shock and devastated to hear the news about Gia. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever known.”
Melissa Rycroft: “Gia was such a joyous person to be around. She was the person that in any room drew a crowd because she exuded positive energy and friendliness.”
“This is beyond tragic and my thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones.”
Tenley Molzahn: “You look at her Twitter or Instagram and she didn’t ever seem to have a dull moment. My heart is heavy, along with many others today.”
“What I can say about Gia is that she was a beautiful girl – her heart shined through her smile. She was a little spitfire and lived life to the fullest.”
“She leaves us with a beautiful example of how to live life in faith, in joy, and in beauty. My deepest condolences to her boyfriend, her family, and her closest friends.”
“Let’s celebrate Gia, and look at the way she lived as an inspiration.”
Jason and Molly Mesnick: “Our hearts are so heavy in hearing the news on Gia.”
“With everything that comes along with The Bachelor, the biggest gain that each of us walks away with is a new “family”, and our family has lost a beautiful soul far too soon.”
“She will always be in our hearts, and our thoughts & prayers.”
Mike Esterman (Allemand’s agent): “When I was booking her on her appearances after the show she was always full of life and great to work with!”
Ben Flajnik: “I had the pleasure of meeting Gia and she was such a lovely person. This is such sad news and my thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.”
Jonathan Novack: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by Gia’s passing. She was a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this difficult time.”
Rachel Truehart: “Heartbroken at this devastating news of our dear sweet Gia..I feel blessed to have known her.”
Ali Fedotowsky: “We lost an incredible human being today.”
Chris Harrison: “It’s with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our good friend Gia Allemand. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.”
Vienna Girardi: “Gia you are my angel! You changed so many lives with your beautiful soul and will be missed and loved forever.”
Tyler Vermette: “Blessed to have called her a friend and I will forever love and miss you @GiaAllemand. An angel is an understatement, rest in peace sweet girl.”
Jeremy Cade: “The worst is confirmed. Very sad to hear we all lost such a beautiful soul. Very sad.”
Pia Toscano: “I am absolutely gutted to hear about Gia Allemand’s passing. Such a stunning person.. Sending all of my love & prayers to her family.”
Melinda Farina: “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.”
Graham Bunn: “Heavy Heart is an understatement.” And: “I’m so sorry we waisted 1 second of our friendship on trivial matters. Thank you for being the stronger person and mending those wounds last summer. I will always remember our times in NYC together #Friends.”
Valishia Chapman: “The last 3 times we were together we spoke about Jesus, the Bible… peace knowing that she is with our LORD and that I will see her again.”
Michelle Money: “My Sweet @giaallemand you will never know how much I love you. Thank you for your love.”
Ryan Anderson: “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.”