NBC to Honor ‘Biggest Loser’ Alum Damien Gurganious After Sudden Death

The reality show will remember the former contestant who died recently from a rare autoimmune disorder that caused hemorrhaging in his brain

NBC

NBC will honor former “Biggest Loser” contestant Damien Gurganious during the show’s upcoming Dec. 11 episode with an in memoriam card.

Gurganious died suddenly at the age of 38 on Monday, Nov. 24.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of Damien Gurganious’s passing. 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,” NBC said in a statement released to TheWrap.

Gurganious’ death was made public by his wife, Nicole Brewer Gurganious, with whom he competed with on the NBC reality series’ seventh season while the couple was still engaged.

Nicole posted the news of Damien’s death on her Facebook page, saying: “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.”

Damien and Nicole were married shortly after their season on “The Biggest Loser” in Aug. 2009. She went on to explain that Gurganious died from a rare autoimmune disorder called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or ITP. The disorder suddenly brought on inoperable bleeding on his brain.

“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,” Nicole said. “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.”

Gurganious lost a total of 136 pounds while competing on “The Biggest Loser,” reducing his weight from 381 to 245 lbs.

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