New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson suffered a tragedy this week, as his girlfriend Gia Allemand died on Wednesday after being taken off life support following an apparent suicide attempt on Monday.
According to ESPN.com, Anderson discovered Allemand's body on Monday night after she apparently tried to hang herself and he called 911 and she was rushed to University Hospital in New Orleans, where later died after being taken off life support. The report says that Allemand suffered critical brain function loss and organ function and she was later taken off life support. E! News reports that sources said the couple were having issues in their relationship but had planned to stay together.
The 29-year-old was found by Anderson and he remained by her bedside until she died. The couple had been together for multiple years and she was also joined by her family. According to ESPN.com, Allemand started off as a dancer and actress and she also modeled in the past before appearing on "The Bachelor" in 2010 and she finished third in the season that featured Jake Pavelka. Anderson is being looked at as a primary player for the Pelicans this season and he is just two years removed from winning the most improved player award while with the Magic.
Anderson and the Pelicans expect to contend for a playoff spot in the West next season after trading for Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans in the offseason. The team traded Nerlens Noel for Holiday and now they have an All-Star caliber point guard for the first time since trading away Chris Paul.
"Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out and she always smiled and made everyone else around her smile," Anderson said. "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."
