Big Brother France winner Loana Petrucciani found dead at home aged 48

Big Brother France winner Loana Petrucciani has died at the age of 48.

Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but an investigation has reportedly been launched.

Local prosecutor Damien Martinelli is said to have told the French press that Petrucciani had been dead for ‘several days’ when she was found.

‘She will forever remain a personality who profoundly marked an entire generation of viewers,’ the statement read.

The network also remembered Petrucciani for ‘her spontaneity, sensitivity and authenticity’.

CEO of Loft Story’s production company Banijay France, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, also said in a statement: ‘It is with immense emotion that I learned of Loana’s passing.

Laroche-Joubert said her thoughts were ‘with [Petrucciani’s] mother Violette, her daughter, her brother and the other housemates who were part of this adventure.

‘Let us never forget that behind her public image was a sensitive and extremely intelligent woman.’
‘Loana was not a character.

She was a woman.

A real one.

With its cracks, its sweetness, its fragility in the open sky.

‘We’ve watched her live, love, fall… without ever really wondering who would pick her up after.

The truth is, we’re all a little responsible, because we all watched.’
Born in Cannes, Petrucciani had worked as a go-go dancer at local clubs before she entered the Loft Story house, which was watched by millions of viewers.

Having made headlines for a sexual encounter in the house pool with Jean-Édouard Lipa, Petrucciani defied the scandal and went on to win the show alongside Christophe Mercy.

The pair subsequently moved in together in St Tropez and Petrucciani was treated to her own spin-off miniseries.

In the following years, Petrucciani dabbled in a music career, modelled for Jean-Paul Gaultier and did TV presenting work for broadcaster M6.

The reality star also faced several public struggles later in her life, with her mental health and her relationships.

Appearing on the French reality show Les Anges in 2011, Petrucciani claimed she had been a victim of rape.

The TV star was reported to have battled depression and made several attempts to take her own life before being hospitalised in a psychiatric facility.

She is survived by a daughter, born in 1998, who is reportedly in the custody of her biological father.

Need support?

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.

You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.

Metro contacted the Nice police for further comment.
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