Following Ashley’s tragic suicide on Feb. 6, the identity of her alleged boyfriend, Drew Heissenbuttel, was revealed. Even though a source close to the family tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that Ashley was single at the time of her death, Drew is choosing to speak out.
Ashley Riggitano, 22, died when she jumped off the George Washington Bridge on Feb. 6, as she could no longer handle being tormented by bullies. Ashley, who suffered from depression, was allegedly dating Drew Heissenbuttel. It was reportedly Drew’s close friendship with Ashley’s frenemie Alison Tinari that was an issue for her. Drew claims he is “devastated,” following Ashley’s death.
Drew Heissenbuttel Shares His Sorrow
“Ashley was a gorgeous girl and we had a great relationship,” Drew told Radar Online. “We were on and off for some time but were together again at the time she passed away. She loved me and I loved her back.”
“I knew something was going on with the Facebook feud but I can’t comment on that,” says Drew, from his home in Mooresville, North Carolina. “I need to respect Ashley’s family right now.”
Ashley was reportedly involved in a nasty online battle since January 8 with Alison over her friendship with Drew.
“I’m still trying to figure out why this happened and to piece it all together. I am very upset, I’m absolutely devastated. I just don’t know why she did it,” Drew said.
“On the day of her death, the last thing she said to me was that she loved me. I knew something was wrong though, but I didn’t know what,” confesses Drew.
Drew plans on driving to New Jersey to attend Ashley’s funeral.
Ashley & Drew’s Relationship Was Not ‘On Again’
Despite Drew’s confessions, a source close to the family tells us that Ashley and Drew were no longer seeing each other at the time of her death. (Perhaps they kept their rekindled love a secret.)
“Ashley was not dating anyone; she was single,” a source close to the family exclusively tells HollywoodLife.com.
HollywoodLife.com also spoke to source close to Drew, who told us exclusively that “Drew went to work today, but he had to leave early.”
Even though Ashley is confirmed to have been single at the time of her death, it appears as though Drew was affected by her tragic suicide, as he stated to Radar Online.
Our thoughts are with the Riggitano family at this difficult time. How do YOU feel, HollywoodLifers?
– Chris Rogers, Reporting by Chloe Melas & Eleanore Hutch
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Ugly Butnotshallow
Posted at 7:45 PM on April 28, 2013
I don’t feel sorry for her at all. She was probably shallow and would only date pretty guys. I’, glad she is gone. She is a coward.