Mother of THE BACHELOR's Gia Allemand Issues Statement on Daughter's Death

By: Caryn Robbins Aug. 16, 2013

Donna Micheletti, mother of former BACHELOR contestant Gia Allemand, issued an official statement Friday morning on the death of her daughter who passed away 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. The cause of death was an apparent suicide.

Released through a media representative, Micheletti's statement said, "The family and close friends of Gia Allemand have not spoken to the media to date, nor have they posted comments or insight on Twitter. There are numerous statements and theories in the media regarding Gia's death and her life that refer to sources close to Gia or friends of hers.

"As her mother, I am well aware of Gia's close friends and her best friends, and I am personally going on record to refute all statements to the media out there thus far with the exception of official statements we have released through publicist Penelope Jean Hayes, and those jointly with Ryan Anderson's NBA team representation.

"Gia liked everyone and always found the good in people, however there were acquaintances that she had disassociated with whom are now speaking as her close friends. I don't like to give further publicity by mentioning names here, however there is a particular individual, Loredana Ferriolo, identifying herself as Gia's best friend and the fact is that Gia expressed directly to me that she did not trust this individual and her motives for her own public exposure.

"After the funeral, I do intend to speak about my dear daughter's life and death, and will do so in an open disclosure way with a trusted media source. Thank you for all those truly concerned and God bless."

Source: People.com