THE BACHELOR's Gia Allemand Dies at 29

Former BACHELOR contestant Gia Allemand passed away today, Wednesday, August 14, at the age of 29.

Allemand, who appeared on the 14th season of the show and vied for the love of Jake Pavelka, was rushed to New Orleans' University Hospital on Monday night. Upon being admitted, she was listed as in criticial condition, and placed on life support. According to ABC News, the cause of death was an apparent suicide.

"Due to a critical loss of brain and organ function, life support was withdrawn (on Wednesday)," Allemand's family, including boyfriend Ryan Anderson, said in a statement today. "Ms. Allemand passed away peacefully with her mother, boyfriend, and other lifelong friends by her side. As a practicing Christian, Gia did receive the sacrament of last rites."

After hearing the new, Pavelka took to Twitter: ""I had to pull over, I can't stop crying. We have lost an angel," he posted.

Former Bachelor Sean Lowe also tweeted his well wishes to Allemand's family: "My prayers go out to @GiaAllemand's family during this time. Life on earth is but a vapor and she's with our Lord now."

Funeral arrangements are now being planned.

Photo by ABC