Lucy Markovic, who starred in the 2015 season of Australia’s Next Top Model and went on to work for brands including Versace, has died. She was 27.
Markovic’s death was confirmed on her Instagram page and by her agent Elite Model Management. The model had been battling arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a rare brain condition.
“I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed,” said a statement on Markovic’s Instagram Stories. “She was at peace.”
Elite Model Management added: “We are heartbroken to share that Lucy Markovic has passed away after a brave battle with a brain AVM.
“Lucy was a bright shining light, and had an incredible dry sense of humor. Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her. She loved to dance, she really shined.”
Donatella Versace was among those who paid tribute to Markovic. “I am so sorry to hear about Lucy. Rest in peace, beautiful girl,” the Italian fashion designer wrote on Instagram.
Model Cartia Mallan said: “Heartbroken to say the least. My beautiful friend Lucy sadly passed today after putting up a strong fight. I can’t even put into words how kind, radiant and caring she was as a human. Not to mention how insanely beautiful and talented she was.”
Markovic spoke about her diagnosis with AVM, a tangle of blood vessels in the brain, as recently as last month. The model said her AVM was “the size of a golf ball” and had resulted in her suffering seizures.
Marvokic appeared on Season 9 of Australia’s Next Top Model at the age of just 17. She finished in second place behind Brittany Beattie.
