The NBA player boyfriend of late “Bachelor” star Gia Allemand has described the tragic beauty as “the most beautiful person” who “always made everyone else around her smile”.
Allemand — whom friends said suffered from depression — hanged herself Monday and was removed from life support yesterday, sources told The Post.
The Howard Beach, Queens, native was in critical condition for days in a New Orleans hospital after her longtime boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson, found her in her home late Monday night and called 911, sources said.
Allemand, 29, was rushed to the hospital but her family withdrew life support yesterday as she suffered with “critical loss of brain and organ function,” the sources said. Her mother and the New Orleans Pelicans player reportedly were by her side when she died.
“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.”
“I’m deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans. All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared.”
Proverbs 21:3 "Doing what is right and fair pleases The Lord more than an offering"
— Gia Allemand (@GiaAllemand) August 11, 2013
The former model, who was a finalist on Season 14 of the ABC dating-show contest, had a history of depression and was tormented by her failing relationship with Anderson, according to friends.
“I’m not that shocked, because of her ups and downs,” one friend said. “She fell victim to her own perfection and they were having problems.”
Allemand had planned to move to New York in September to live with a girlfriend because her relationship with Anderson had soured months ago, sources said.
Allemand had a history of dating athletes, including ex-Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano.
She also had a reputation for dabbling with cocaine and prescription drugs, said a friend.
“The first thing everyone thought was prescription drugs,” the friend said.
Her former rival on “The Bachelor,” Vienna Girardi, tweeted her condolences: “Gia you are my angel! You changed so many lives with your beautiful soul and will be missed and loved forever.”