Australian model Lucy Markovic dead at 27
Lucy Markovic, an international model who appeared on Australia's Next Top Model and walked the runways for Armani and Versace, died after suffering a severe brain illness. She was 27.
Her partner Carlo confirmed her death via Instagram Story on Friday, April 11.
“Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed,” a statement posted by her partner Carlos on Instagram read. “She was at peace. Me, her mother and my mother were present with her. We ask you to please give us space in these hard times. May Lucy Rest In Peace."
Markovic has been battling cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a disorder in which aberrant blood arteries tangle, causing bleeding and brain tissue damage. She had undergone many procedures for the ailment previous to her death.
Arteriovenous malformations are extremely uncommon, occurring in only one out of every 100,000 persons.
The fashion icon spoke openly about her troubles in the weeks leading up to her death.
Markovic reported that she was due to have brain surgery on March 26 to address an AVM "in the back of her brain" that she described as the size of a golf ball. The treatment was rescheduled until April 2.
“Lucky + unlucky – Radiation, seizures, heavy medication and 4 years later,” Markovic captioned her final Instagram post. “Excited, thankful, scared, supported, hopeful. Full flood of emotions in this time. Life’s a journey and I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Markovic was a teenager when she participated in the ninth season of "Australia's Next Top Model," a show modeled after Tyra Banks' "America's Next Top Model," in 2015. She finished second place, losing in the final to Brittany Beattie.
Markovic, who was 16 years old at the time, took second place and went on to pose for big labels including Givenchy, Versace, Victoria Beckham, and Emporio Armani.
She went on to have a successful modeling career, appearing in advertisements for Versace and Victoria Beckham and walking runways for Oscar de la Renta, Bulgari, Givenchy, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. She also featured in well-known magazines such as Marie Claire and other international editions of Vogue.
The model's agency, Elite Model agency NYC, also turned to social media on the same day to share the tragic news of Markovic's death.
“We are heartbroken to share that Lucy Markovic has passed away after a brave battle with a brain AVM,” they wrote via Instagram. “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.”
Elite Model Management NYC continued in their tribute: “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.”
Donatella Versace reposted an image of the model in an Instagram story, writing, “I am so sorry to hear the news about @lucymarkovicc. Rest in peace beautiful girl.”
