In the days since Bachelor alum Gia Allemand died of an apparent suicide on Aug. 14, fans and friends alike have searched for answers about what led to the 29-year-old reality star's shocking death. Now, Allemand's mother, Donna Micheletti, is stepping forward for the first time to set the record straight about the rumors surrounding her daughter's last days.
"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," Micheletti says in a statement released Friday, Aug. 16. "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," the statement continues.
Micheletti takes particular issue with one so-called friend, Loredana Ferriolo, who spoke to the New York Daily News about a conversation she allegedly had with Allemand the night before her death.
"Gia liked everyone and always found the good in people; however, there were acquaintances that she had disassociated with who are now speaking as her close friends," Micheletti says. "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," Micheletti concludes. "Thank you for all those truly concerned and God bless."
As previously reported, Allemand was found by her boyfriend, NBA Pelicans player Ryan Anderson, after an apparent suicide attempt on Monday, Aug. 12. She was taken that night to University Hospital, New Orleans, where she remained on life support until Wednesday, Aug. 14.
A funeral for the former model is in the works, a rep for the star confirmed to Us Weekly. She will be laid to rest sometime next week at the Papavero Funeral Home in Queens, N.Y.
