AceShowbiz -

Gia Allemand, who was one of the women vying for Jake Pavelka's heart on "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love", is hospitalized in critical condition. Her representative says in a statement that the 29-year-old was taken to University Hospital in New Orleans "following a serious emergency medical event" on Monday night, August 12.

"On behalf of the family, we kindly ask for privacy at this time," the rep adds. Gia's mother and boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Pelicans, are staying by her side.

Health and beauty expert Melinda Farina, one of Gia's good friends, has given an update on her condition. "@GiaAllemand is on life support w little pulse and barely breathing ..cause unknown ..next 48 hours critical please pray for Gia everyone," she writes on Twitter.

She adds, "I'm so sad about my best friend right now...how could this have happened to such an incredible person..she needs to come out of it! Everyone I will keep you posted if I hear anything further right now it's not good-we all need to stay positive though she's tiny but strong."

Gia's rep later takes to Twitter to say that another official statement will be released Wednesday, writing, "Understand everyone has questions about #GiaAllemand - another statement is pending for tomorrow...Prayers pls."