"The Biggest Loser" alum Contestant Damien Gurganious died from a rare autoimmune disorder Monday at the age of 38.

Gurganious was in the seventh season of "The Biggest Loser: Couples to Competitor," with his wife Nicole, to whom he was engaged at the time. Before being eliminated by in the third week, Nicole and Damien lost a total of 200 pounds on the show.

Several months after appearing on NBC's reality show in January 2009, the couple married in August at the Renaissance of Astoria in Queens, New York.

Nicole paid tribute to her husband in a Facebook post when she released the news of his passing.

"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," she wrote.

"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."

NBC, Shine America and "TBL" producers said in a statement, "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."

Damien suffered from a rare case of autoimmune disorder that caused bleeding in his brain.

"He was a pillar of his family, an amazing son, brother, cousin and uncle," his family told Us Magazine in a statement.

"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."

In next week's episode of "The Biggest Loser," there will be an "In Memoriam" title card for Damien.

The reality star is survived by his wife and daughter Giselle.