'The Biggest Loser' Alum Damien Gurganious Dead At 38 From Rare Autoimmune Disorder

Season 7 alum of The Biggest Loser, Damien Gurganious, died at the age of 38 Monday, Nov. 24, from a rare autoimmune disorder that caused inoperable bleeding in the brain. According to The Damien Gurganious Family Fund on youcaring.com, Damien suffered from the sudden onset of a rare autoimmune disorder called Idiopathic Thrombocyopenic Purpura.

"He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle," his family told Us Weekly in a statement. "He was an incredible husband and father to his 2-year-old daughter Giselle. He was an inspiration and a mentor to so many. His love for his family and friends was immense."

In 2009, Gurganious and his then-fiancee, Nicole Brewer, appeared on The Biggest Loser, but were sent home in the third week.

"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 posted on her Facebook page regarding her tragic loss. "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."

Damien was the sole provider for his family, so the family fund they have set up is to help his wife Nicole and their 2-year-old daughter, Giselle. So far, the site has raised nearly $2,000.

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