Damien, who appeared in the seventh season of the NBC show, passed away on Monday, November 24.
- December 5, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Damien Gurganious, who competed in season 7 of "The Biggest Loser", died on Monday, November 24 after suffering from a sudden onset of a rare autoimmune disorder that caused bleeding in his brain, Us Weekly reported. He was 38.
Damien's family told the site in a statement, "[Damien] was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle. He was an incredible husband and father to his two-year old daughter, Giselle. He was an inspiration and a mentor to so many. His love for his family and friends was immense."
NBC expressed his condolences in a statement issued to E! Online. "We were deeply saddened to hear of Damien Gurganious' passing," NBC said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Damien's wife and daughter, Nicole and Giselle, as well as both of their families during this difficult time."
Damien's wife Nicole Brewer Gurganious recently paid tribute to his husband on Facebook, writing, "As most of you know, I never post on social media. So, it is highly ironic and deeply sad that my first true post is to inform you of the tragic loss of my beloved husband, Damien Gurganious."
She added, "Damien suffered from the sudden onset of a rare autoimmune disorder, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which caused inoperable bleeding in his brain. Damien passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014."
"All of you who knew Damien can attest to his generous and loving spirit, his outgoing and gregarious personality, and his caring and compassionate nature. Damien always desired to bring out the best in those around him by offering encouragement, support and love, often couched in his own hilarious and sage adages," she concluded.
Damien's family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, December 6 at Lawrence H. Woodward Funeral Home. The family has set up "The Damien Gurganious Family Fund" website "to ease the financial stresses on Nicole and Giselle so they can focus on healing."
"The Biggest Loser" is scheduled to air an "in memoriam" tribute card following next week's episode on Thursday, December 11 at 8 P.M. EST.
