8 THE QUEENS COURIER • AUGUST 22, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com LIFE CUT SHORT Gia Allemand’s suicide a tragedy BY CRISTABELLE TUMOLA [email protected] The death of a Howard Beach-born reality star has left many wondering why the young television personality would take her own life. Gia Allemand, 29, who appeared on the ABC dating show “The Bachelor,” was found at her New Orleans home the night of Monday, August 12 by her boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson, following an apparent suicide attempt, according to a statement from her family. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was listed in critical condition, but was taken off of life support and died on Wednesday, August 14. “Gia was the most beautiful person I knew inside and out and she always smiled and made everyone else around her smile. She had such an amazing impact on my life and anyone that knew her was blessed, said Anderson. “All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared.” A police source said Allemand tried to hang herself with a vacuum cleaner cord only hours after “an emotional fight” with Anderson, the Daily News reported. According to published reports, the couple had an argument over Anderson’s alleged unfaithfulness the day of her suicide attempt, which may have taken place while she was on the phone with her mother. Allemand, who grew up in Staten Island and Long Island, was also on another ABC show, “The Bachelor Pad,” and worked as a model and actress. Though there has been speculation in the media about what drove Allemand to suicide, including rumors about her “insecurities,” her mother, Donna Micheletti, responded to those assertions and said: “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.” Dr. Elissa Brown, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at St. John’s University, said “one of the biggest challenges about suicide is to predict who will and won’t commit the act.” Some predictors are family history of suicide and depression, a history of hurting oneself and previous trauma, according to Brown. She said even a distressing event from childhood can lead to an individual taking their life as an adult. Signs to look out for if someone is severely depressed or may be suicidal is if they start to isolate themselves, no longer engage in activities they enjoy, shift eating or sleeping patterns and express hopelessness about the future, said Brown. If you or someone else is thinking about suicide, there are resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- 8255. In an immediate risk situation, call 9-1-1. Following a wake for Allemand that was held at Papavero Funeral Home in Maspeth, a funeral service took place at Trinity Grace Church in Manhattan. Photo via Gia Allemand’s Instagram 2013 Estate Tax Law Changes-Are You At Risk? Costly Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make! Come to a Free Workshop on Wills Living Trusts & Medicaid Planning September 11th 6:30-8:30 Law Firm of Albert Cohen, P.C. 104-70 Queens Blvd., Suite 312 Forest Hills, NY 11375 September 12th 6:30-8:30 Law Firm of Albert Cohen, P.C. 104-70 Queens Blvd., Suite 312 Forest Hills, NY 11375 September 10th 6:30-8:30 Law Firm of Albert Cohen, P.C. 104-70 Queens Blvd., Suite 312 Forest Hills, NY 11375 Seating is Limited. Refreshments Served. Call now to reserve your seat 718-275-7779 At the workshop, we will discuss several issues, including: -The advantages and disadvantage of Wills and Living Trusts -How to plan before you need Long Term Care -How to protect your children’s inheritance from future ex-spouses, lawsuits and other claims Presented By Law Firm of Albert Cohen, P.C. 104-70 Queens Blvd., Suite 312 Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-275-7779 www.cohenestateplanning.com
QC08222013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above