Damien Gurganious, who competed on The Biggest Loser in 2009, died on Nov. 24 of an autoimmune disorder called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. He was 38.

Damien Gurganious Dies

Gurganious’ wife Nicole Brewer Gurganious, who also competed on The Biggest Loser, announced his untimely death on Facebook. “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,” she wrote. “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.”

She added, “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.”

 

Gurganious’ family released a statement to Us Weekly. “He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle,” the family’s statement read. “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.”

NBC, which produces The Biggest Loser, also released a statement mourning Gurganious “We were deeply saddened to hear of Damien Gurganious’ passing,” the network said. “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.”

The Biggest Loser will air an “in memoriam” segment after next week’s episode on Thursday, Dec. 11 on NBC at 8/7c.