The Biggest Loser family has lost a family member.
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Seventh-season The Biggest Loser contestant Damien Gurganious has passed away at age 38, Us Weekly reported.
Gurganious died on November 24 from an alleged onset of a rare autoimmune disorder which causes bleeding inside the brain.
"He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle," Gurganious' family said in a statement obtained by Us. "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."
Gurganious reportedly celebrated his birthday one week before he passed.
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"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," Nicole Brewer Gurganious, who appeared on The Biggest Loser: Couples 2 with her then-fiance in January 2009 but got eliminated during Week 3, reportedly wrote on her Facebook page.
"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."
Gurganious and Brewer wed in August 2009 after competing on the show together, according to Us.
"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," Brewer continued in her post. "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."
The NBC reality weight-loss series will reportedly air an "in memoriam" card at the end of its Thursday, December 11 episode at 8PM ET/PT.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski