Gia's family, boyfriend Ryan Anderson and 'The Bachelor' stars attend the reality star's funeral at Chelsea's Trinity Grace Church.
- Aug 23, 2013
AceShowbiz - "The Bachelor" alumni joined Gia Allemand's family and friends in a funeral service for the reality star who passed away after committing suicide last week. Gia's boyfriend Ryan Anderson was also present at the service which was held at Chelsea's Trinity Grace Church in New York City on Thursday, August 22.
Ryan sat in front row with Gia's mother Donna Micheletti, "consoling Donna the whole time," a source told E! News. Stars from "The Bachelor" family Jaclyn Swartz, Rachel Truehart, Graham Bunn, Jenna Burke, Craig Robinson (II), Tyler Vermette, Ashleigh Hunt, Krisily Kennedy, Gwen Gioia, Ames Brown and Jackie Gordon also paid final respect. Some of Ryan's teammates from the New Orleans Pelicans were among the attendants.
A source commented that "it really was a beautiful ceremony, but it was very emotional. It was a wonderful celebration of Gia's life." A friend from high school and another from college read speeches which focused on "celebration of her life." Two songs "Amazing Grace" and "Be Near" were played at the ceremony.
"The family of Gia Allemand wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to all those, near and far, who have extended words of encouragement and support during this time of incredible loss," the service's program read. An observer said that Ryan and Gia's mother looked very emotional as they followed Gia's casket out of the church.
A public memorial and viewing was held at the Papavero funeral home on Wednesday. Jake Pavelka, who starred in season 14 of "The Bachelor", paid respect at the wake. He wrote on Twitter, "Going 2 b an incredibly tough day. Crossfit train n NY 2 occupy my mind. Then...Find my peace w Gia. Can I ask 4 ur prayers today?"
