Gia Allemand's Mother Breaks Silence on Bachelor Star's Death

"There are numerous statements and theories in the media regarding Gia's death and her life that refer to sources close to Gia or friends of hers," Donna Machetti says

By Rebecca Macatee Aug 16, 2013 1:56 PMTags
Gia AllemandJohn Lamparski/Getty Images

Gia Allemand's mother is breaking her silence about her daughter's tragic death.

In a statement given to E! News, Donna Micheletti made it clear she doesn't want just anyone speaking on behalf of the former Bachelor star.

"The family and close friends of Gia Allemand have not spoken to the media to date, nor have they posted comments or insight on Twitter," Micheletti said. "There are numerous statements and theories in the media regarding Gia's death and her life that refer to sources close to Gia or friends of hers."

"As her mother, I am well aware of Gia's close friends and her best friends and I am personally going on record to refute all statements to the media out there thus far with the exception of official statements we have released through publicist Penelope Jean Hayes, and those jointly with Ryan Anderson's NBA team representation," she continued.

"Gia liked everyone and always found the good in people, however there were acquaintances that she had disassociated with whom are now speaking as her close friends," Micheletti said. "I don't like to give further publicity by mentioning names here, however there is a particular individual, Loredana Ferriolo, identifying herself as Gia's best friend and the fact is that Gia expressed directly to me that she did not trust this individual and her motives for her own public exposure."

Ferriolo, who spoke with the Daily News, said Allemand "sounded stuffy" when they talked the night before her death. "Either she was crying or she had a cold. I asked her and she paused and said, ‘Yeah, I have a cold.' I thought she was crying. But she insisted it was a cold."

"I came forward because there was all this speculation that Gia was depressed or on drugs and that's not true…I want to respect her memory," Ferriolo added. "I was with her a week before and everything was fine."

But on Monday night, Allemand's boyfriend discovered the 29-year-old at her New Orleans home. He immediately called 911, according to a statement released by Allemand's rep on behalf of her family, who previously confirmed that she was found after an apparent suicide attempt. She was rushed to the hospital, where sadly, doctors were unable to save her life. On Wednesday, she was removed from life support after determining that she had suffered a critical loss of brain and organ function. Her mother and boyfriend were by her side.

Micheletti said after her daughter's funeral, which will be held at Papavero Funeral Home in Queens, N.Y, sometime next week, she plans "to speak about my dear daughter's life and death, and will do so in an open disclosure way with a trusted media source."

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).