Australian Model Lucy Markovic Dies at 27 After Battling Rare Brain Condition
A statement from Elite Model Management, Markovic’s agency, confirmed her death via social media on Thursday, revealing that she had been battling a rare brain condition. According to CNN, Markovic had been battling a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangle of blood vessels that can lead to brain damage and stroke.
Markovic, who rose to fame on "Australia’s Next Top Model" in 2015, finished runner-up in the ninth season of the show, losing out to Brittany Beattie in the final. She went on to forge a successful modeling career, appearing in campaigns for top brands like Versace and Victoria Beckham, and walking catwalks for Oscar de la Renta, Bulgari, Givenchy, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. As CNN reported, she also appeared in high-profile magazines including Marie Claire and various international editions of Vogue.
In a heartfelt statement, Elite Model Management called Markovic "a bright shining light," adding: "Modeling was one of Lucy’s dreams, and we are deeply honored to have been part of that journey with her. She brought elegance, strength, and beauty to her work. But more than that, she brought herself — her warmth, her laughter, her light." CNN reported that Markovic’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the fashion world.
Three weeks ago, Markovic announced on Instagram that she would be undergoing surgery for her brain AVM, describing the malformation as "the size of a golf ball" and revealing that she had experienced seizures. The post featured a photo of herself in hospital, along with an image of a brain scan. "Full flood of emotions in this time," she wrote in the caption. "Life’s a journey and I’m ready for the next chapter." As reported by CNN, Markovic had battled the condition for four years.
Fashion icon Donatella Versace, who now serves as Versace’s chief brand ambassador, paid tribute to Markovic on Instagram, writing: "I am so sorry to hear the news about @lucymarkovicc. Rest in peace beautiful girl." CNN also reported that Markovic’s Australian agency, Kult Australia, wrote: "Today, we lost a star… She was radiant, warm and a beautiful soul."
Tributes continued to flood in from across the fashion world, with newly crowned Model of the Year Alex Consani among those leaving messages for Markovic on her Instagram account. As CNN reported, Markovic’s modeling career was marked by her elegance, strength, and beauty, both on and off the catwalk.
In a final message, Markovic’s agency concluded: "We will deeply miss her, but we take comfort in the memories we shared with her." CNN will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available. The fashion world has lost a shining star, and Markovic’s legacy will be remembered for years to come.
