Damien Gurganious: ‘The Biggest Loser’ Alum Dies At 38

This is just devastating. Damien Gurganious, who competed on 'The Biggest Loser' in season 7 alongside his wife Nicole, his fiancée at the time, has died. He was only 38. The Biggest Loser family has lost one of its own. Damien Gurganious died on Nov. 24 at the age of 38. He suffered from a sudden and rare autoimmune disorder that led to bleeding in his brain. His wife, Nicole, who competed with him on the weight loss series, wrote a heartfelt statement about her beloved husband.

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December 4, 2014 3:57PM EST
Damien Gurganious Dead
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Damien Gurganious Dead: ‘The Biggest Loser’ Alum Dies At 38

Damien died at the age of 38 on Nov. 24, just one week after celebrating his birthday, Us Weekly confirms.

Nicole broke the tragic news on Facebook, and wrote a touching tribute to her late husband.

Dear Friends,

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 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.

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. 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. To honor this extraordinary man, the family has planned a Celebration of Life.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at
1:00 p.m. The Celebration will take place at Lawrence H. Woodward Funeral Home, located at One Troy Avenue in Brooklyn, New York 11213.

I sincerely hope that you can join us in celebrating Damien’s life in whatever way your heart directs. We welcome stories, emails, and pictures, anything that you care to share about how Damien touched your life. He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle. 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.

I will send another update shortly regarding the repast to follow the Celebration, and information on where to send flowers or donations. I thank you all for your prayers and support during this difficult time.

With love,

Nicole Brewer Gurganious & the Gurganious Family

Damien and Nicole competed on the show in January 2009. They were eliminated in the third week. The couple married in Aug. 2009. They have a two-year-old daughter, Giselle. 

The show is set to air an “In Memoriam” card after the Dec. 11 episode. Friends of the family have set up  “The Damien Gurganious Family Fund” for those who want to help Damien’s family during this trying time.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Damien’s family and friends during this difficult time.

— Avery Thompson

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