Damien Gurganious, who competed during the seventh season of the hit TV show The Biggest Loser, died from a rare and sudden autoimmune disorder on November 24, 2014.
Thirty-eight-year-old Damien once appeared in The Biggest Loser: Couples 2 in 2009, along with his then-fiancée Nicole (they got married the same year). Although they didn't make it to the finals, they continued on with their journey to losing weight, and he secured fans because of his vibrant personality.
Thus, it came as a shock when Nicole posted a personal note in her Facebook page announcing the untimely demise of her husband.
Damien succumbed to Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. According to Mayo Clinic, it's a disorder that leads to easy bruising or bleeding because of a very low platelet count. This disease occurs in both children and adults; however, with the latter, the condition is considered chronic. Depending on how low the platelet is, as well as the symptoms and age of the patient, its occurrence may not warrant some treatment.
But with Damien's case, it caused bleeding in his brain, which eventually led to his death.
In her Facebook post, Nicole brought out some of the beautiful characteristics of her husband, including his generosity, loving spirit, outgoing personality, gregariousness, and compassionate and caring attitude. She also called him "extraordinary."
To celebrate the life he lived, a Celebration of Life service was scheduled at 1:00 p.m. last Saturday, December 6, in New York.
This was then followed by a repast in Bedford Avenue starting at 4:00 p.m.
Some of the family's friends, meanwhile, decided to set up a fund-raising page in Youcaring to help out the bereaved family. Aside from Nicole, Damien also left Giselle, the couple's 2-year-old daughter. The funds will be given to the family especially since Damien served as the breadwinner.
The show The Biggest Loser is planning to pay tribute with an In Memoriam next week.
