Tragic Loss: Australian Model Lucy Markovic Passes Away at 27

SYDNEY, Australia — Lucy Markovic, a beloved Australian model known for her appearance on ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’, has died at the age of 27 following complications from a brain condition known as arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Her passing was announced on April 11, 2025, through a heartfelt message on social media by her partner, Carlos.

In the message, Carlos shared, “I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed. She was at peace. Me, her mother, and my mother were with her. We ask you to please give us space in these hard times.” Markovic’s talent agency, Elite Model Management, later confirmed her death, mourning the loss of a vibrant and talented individual.

Markovic was a contestant on the ninth season of ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ in 2015, where she finished as a runner-up at just 16 years old. After the show, she built a successful career, working with prestigious brands including Versace and Armani. She had opened up about her health struggles on Instagram, revealing that she was to undergo surgery to treat the AVM, which she described as “the size of a golf ball.” Initially scheduled for March 26, her surgery was delayed to April 2.

On the evening before her death, she shared a story on Instagram indicating that she was “battling for her life” after the surgery. The announcement of her passing sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and figures in the fashion industry, including renowned designer Donatella Versace, who expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, “I am so sorry to hear the news about Lucy Markovic. Rest in peace beautiful girl.”

Elite Model Management released a touching tribute: “Lucy was a bright shining light. She brought elegance, strength, and beauty to her work. But more than that, she brought herself — her warmth, her laughter, her light. To her family and friends, please know that you are in our prayers and in our hearts. We mourn with you and celebrate the incredible person Lucy was.”

The condition that ultimately led to Markovic’s death, AVM, involves a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins in the brain. It is a rare condition, affecting an estimated three in every 10,000 people. Symptoms can include severe headaches, seizures, and, in severe cases, brain hemorrhages. Markovic had been candid about her ongoing health issues, stating in a March post that she was “excited, thankful, scared, supported, hopeful” as she headed into surgery.

As tributes continued to pour in, fellow model Cheyenne Tozzi described Markovic as “a truly beautiful person, inside and out,” recalling their time together on the reality show. The news of her passing has left a significant void in the hearts of many who admired her both as a model and as a person.