Gia Allemand's mother speaks out after 'Bachelor' star's death

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Gia Allemand's mother is speaking out against people who say they were the late model's friends and know why she hanged herself in New Orleans this week.

Allemand, 29, was taken off life support Wednesday and died after attempting to commit suicide Monday night. She is best known as one of the competitors on Season 14 of the dating competition series "The Bachelor."

"The family and close friends of Gia Allemand have not spoken to the media to date, nor have they posted comments or insight on Twitter," Allemand's mother Donna Micheletti said in an official statement to People.com Friday.

"There are numerous statements and theories in the media regarding Gia's death and her life that refer to sources close to Gia or friends of hers," the statement said. "As her mother, I am well aware of Gia's close friends and her best friends, and I am personally going on record to refute all statements to the media out there thus far with the exception of official statements we have released through publicist Penelope Jean Hayes, and those jointly with [her boyfriend] Ryan Anderson's NBA team representation. Gia liked everyone and always found the good in people, however there were acquaintances that she had disassociated with whom are now speaking as her close friends. I don't like to give further publicity by mentioning names here, however there is a particular individual, Loredana Ferriolo, identifying herself as Gia's best friend and the fact is that Gia expressed directly to me that she did not trust this individual and her motives for her own public exposure.

"After the funeral, I do intend to speak about my dear daughter's life and death, and will do so in an open disclosure way with a trusted media source. Thank you for all those truly concerned and God bless. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in another official statement once confirmed."