A disproportionate number of reality television stars have died by suicide, which arguably begets the question of whether reality TV is always beneficial for those who appear, and whether some shows are properly supporting the mental health of their alumni. Within "Bachelor Nation" alone, multiple contestants have died by suicide, including Julien Hug, who was 35, and Clint Arlis at age 34, per The San Diego Union-Tribune and Page Six, respectively. Meanwhile, Gia Allemand's August 2013 death was all over the news for days as she clung to life in the hospital following her suicide attempt, leaving fans hoping for the best.
Allemand was a dance instructor who appeared on Jake Pavelka's season of "The Bachelor," the show's 14th season. She also appeared on multiple seasons of "Bachelor Pad," which has since morphed into "Bachelor in Paradise." Per ABC News, a New Orleans police report revealed that Allemand's suicide occurred after a nasty fight with her boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson, whom she believed to have cheated and who reportedly said he no longer loved her. She was later put on life support at a nearby hospital, but sadly passed away a couple of days later at the age of 29.
"The entire Bachelor family is tremendously saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, Gia," said "The Bachelor" creator Mike Fleiss in a statement (via CNN). "She was truly a sweet and generous soul. This is a devastating loss for anyone who ever knew her."
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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