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Damien Gurganious (pictured), “The Biggest Loser” season 7 alum, passed away at age 38 on November 24. The former big guy, who only celebrated his birthday one week before his untimely death, died as a result of a rare autoimmune disorder, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) that caused bleeding of the brain according to E News!

Gurganious appeared as a contest on the popular NBC-TV weight loss challenge show in 2009 along with his then fiancée and now wife, Nicole (pictured).  The memorable and quite affable duo fiercely competed on the show, so that they could lose weight for their wedding which took place in August 2009.  In total, both Gurganious and Nicole lost a whopping 264 pounds combined.

The Gurganious family has set up a fund raising page titled, “The Damien Gurganious Family Fund” so that Nicole and their 2-year-old daughter, Giselle, would not be financially stressed as a result of Gurganious’ passing.  As of press time, the fund has raised nearly $5,000.

NBC sent a statement to E! News addressing the passing of one of the “Biggest Losers” most gregarious competitors: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Damien Gurganious’ passing.  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.”

Gurganious’ funeral will be held  in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn,where he was raised.  “The Biggest Loser” will also pay tribute to Gurganious by posting an “In Memoriam” notice on an the December 11 show.