New Orleans Pelicans: Ryan Anderson Mourning Loss of Girlfriend Gia Allemand After Apparent Suicide Attempt


Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Anderson has witnessed several changes throughout the past few months. His team, the New Orleans Pelicans, underwent a face lift after altering their team name from their previous Hornets mantra. A new name and a brand new color scheme and logo started the long line of changes.

On draft night, he found out he would be working with All Star point guard Jrue Holiday next season after the Pelicans traded away Nerlens Noel to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Holiday. Former New Orleans point guard Greivis Vasquez was then shipped off to the Sacramento Kings in trade that brought in guard Tyreke Evans.

With a much different team going into the 2013 season, Anderson has recently learned that he will also have to endure the upcoming season without his girlfriend, Gia Allemand, who died Wednesday.

Allemand, 29, was a lifelong model and a former contestant on ABC’s The Bachelor. Anderson found Allemand and immediately called 911. She was then transported to a hospital where she ultimately passed away with her mother, boyfriend and other loved ones by her side.

The cause of her passing was said to be due to severe loss of brain and organ function, and after finding herself on life support they eventually took her off of it because there was nothing left they could do.

According to the Associated Press, Anderson released a statement in which he said, ”I’m deeply grateful for all the love and support we have received from family, friends and fans. 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. All I have left is to cherish those memories we made together and help perpetuate the many values, faith and love that we shared.”

In a sad series of events, Pelicans fans and NBA fans around the league mourn Anderson’s loss with him and wish him well in the near future. He has much still to look forward to as his team enters the 2013-2014 campaign with plenty of hope for a playoff berth.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.comFollow him on Twitter  @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.


Around the Web

ZergNet
  • NOPelicans

    Anderson did not make the 911 call, a neighbor did. This misreported information has caught fire.

Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties
=