‘Biggest Loser’ Contestant Damien Gurganious Dies Suddenly At The Age Of 38
Sad news to come out of the Biggest Loser camp. Former cast member Damien Gurganious has died suddenly at the age of 38.
According to Us Weekly, the contestant, who showed up with his fiancé on Season 7 ready to shed the pounds, died on November 24. It’s believed he suffered from a rare sudden autoimmune disorder, which causes bleeding in the brain. This lead to Gurganious’ untimely death.
His family sent a statement to Us Weekly to express their sadness over the sudden loss of their beloved family member.
Of Damien, his family said, “He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle. He was an incredible husband and father to his two-year old daughter, Giselle. He was an inspiration and a mentor to so many. His love for his family and friends was immense.”
Damien Gurganious’ wife, Nicole Brewer Gurganious, wrote a note on her Facebook page. At the time of the couple’s 2009 appearance, they were engaged and looking forward to getting married.
“As most of you know, I never post on social media. So, it is highly ironic and deeply sad that my first true post is to inform you of the tragic loss of my beloved husband, Damien Gurganious. Damien suffered from the sudden onset of a rare autoimmune disorder, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which caused inoperable bleeding in his brain. Damien passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014.”
The Biggest Loser alum continued, “All of you who knew Damien can attest to his generous and loving spirit, his outgoing and gregarious personality, and his caring and compassionate nature. Damien always desired to bring out the best in those around him by offering encouragement, support and love, often couched in his own hilarious and sage adages.”
Since her social media post, fans and people from behind the reality competition have come out to express their condolences to Gurganious’ wife.
Praying for you and your beautiful family @NicoleBrewerNYC RIP @damiengurganious you will be missed xoxo #bl7 pic.twitter.com/1AGJQEE80N
— Jodi Thomas (@jodicasting) November 27, 2014
So sad to hear of his passing @damiengurganious – love you @NicoleBrewerNYC I’m praying 4u xoxo #BiggestLoser pic.twitter.com/50rVVDUOtm
— Jodi Thomas (@jodicasting) November 27, 2014
Sad 2 hear abt the passing of Damien Gurganious S7 #TBL. This 1 really hurts. Pls keep his wife Nicole&bby in prayer. pic.twitter.com/3p0wXEuLmp
— Stacey Capers (@BL6Stacey) November 27, 2014
In honor of Damien, The Biggest Loser will air an in memoriam on next Thursday’s episode.
[Image via New York Daily News]
