Lucy Markovic. Photo:
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty
Former Australia’s Next Top Model star Lucy Markovic has died. She was 27.
On Thursday, April 10, Markovic’s loved ones announced her death on her Instagram Stories, writing, “I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed.”
“She was at peace,” the post continued, adding that she was with family at the time of her death.
“We ask you to please give us space in these hard times,” the post concluded. “May Lucy rest in peace,” alongside an angel emoji.
The model — who came runner-up on Australia’s Next Top Model in 2015 before going on to work for the likes of Versace, Armani and Victoria Beckham — revealed on Instagram last month that she needed to undergo surgery to treat an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) “the size of a golf ball,” per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The post appears to have since been deleted.
Lucy Markovic pictured in 2017. Don Arnold/WireImage
She said that she was due to have surgery on March 26, but the date was then changed to April 2, the outlet stated.
Markovic had said in the post that she’d been dealing with the condition for four years, CNN reported.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an AVM “is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins in the brain.”
The condition affects approximately three in every 10,000 people, per Australia’s Brain Foundation website.
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Markovic’s agency in New York City, Elite Model Management, was among the many paying tribute on Instagram, writing, “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,” they added.
Lucy Markovic. Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty
“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,” the post continued.
The agency, who shared the message alongside a photo of Markovic modeling for Versace, concluded, “To her family and friends, please know that you are in our prayers and in our hearts. We mourn with you, and we celebrate the incredible person Lucy was. We will never forget her.”
Donatella Versace, who stepped down as creative director of Versace last month after nearly 30 years at the helm, reposted a photo of Markovic on the runway in Los Angeles modeling for the brand.
“I am so sorry to hear the news about [Lucy Markovic],” the 69-year-old wrote on her Instagram Stories, adding, “Rest in peace beautiful girl,” alongside a dove emoji.
