Australia's Next Top Model star Lucy Markovic has died at the age of 27 following a heartbreaking health struggle which had left her fighting for her life
3am Daniel Bird Assistant Showbiz Editor 10:45, 11 Apr 2025
Lucy Markovic has died at the young age of 27. The model who found fame on Australia's Next Top Model in 2015 had been battling a major health condition which she had kept her social media followers updated on. But in a tragic turn of events, Lucy's family confirmed on Friday that the model had died.
Last month, Lucy explained she would be undergoing surgery for a bran AVM (arteriovenous malformation). The NHS describes an AVM as: "A tangle of blood vessels in the brain or on the brain surface. This causes blood to bypass the usual network of vessels and flows directly from arteries to veins."
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They add that while they don't know why they occur, people are often born with them and although they're not hereditary, they are often discovered between the ages of 20 and 40.
Although AVMs don't often cause symptoms, they can lead to headaches, seizures, speech disturbances and visual disturbances. Announcing Lucy's death, her mother shared a heartbreaking statement on her social media page just hours after an earlier post read that she was "battling for her life".
The announcement from Lucy's family read: "Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed away. 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." Lucy had battled the condition for four years and said that ahead of surgery she was "full flood of emotions" but she was ready for the "next chapter".
Elite Model Management, who represented Lucy throughout her career described her as a "bright shining light". Taking to Instagram, the agency said: "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 humour. Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her. She loved to dance, she really shined. Modelling was one of Lucy's dreams, and we are deeply honoured 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.
"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." Since the news about Lucy's death, tributes have poured in for the late star. Over her career, Lucy had modelled for Italian fashion house Versace, with former CEO of the brand, Donatella sharing a tribute on social media.
Donatella said: "I am so sorry to hear about Lucy. Rest in peace, beautiful girl." Amelia Ross also shared a touching tribute writing: "Rest in peace. Your biggest supporter forever. Does not feel real. Gone too soon." Megan Puleri paid tribute, writing: "Still speechless. Love you forever Luc. Your legacy lives on."
Amelia Ross commented: "We love you Lucy. Thank you for making our girl dreams come true." Zosia Nowak added: "Rest in peace beautiful angel." "I'm just extremely saddened by this news. Rest in peace dear Lucy," said one fan. While another penned: "Such a huge loss for all that were lucky enough to have known her."
Elsewhere, 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.
"All my love to her family during this time. I can't even fathom this, she was so young. Deeply blessed to have known her. Rest in peace my angel girl." Since finding fame on the show ten years, during which she placed in second place – Lucy went on to model for high end brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Victoria Beckham, Versace, Oscar de la Rento, Armani, Dion Lee, Sass and Bride and Ksubi.
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