A model who found fame on Australia’s Next Top Model has died aged 27 just hours after her devastated family revealed on social media she was ‘battling for her life’

Australia’s Next Top Model star Lucy Markovic has died at the age of 27 after battling a rare brain condition. The devastating news came just hours after a post on Lucy’s Instagram Story said she was “battling for her life.” Sharing the news of her death, a statement on her Instagram 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.” Just last month, Lucy disclosed that she would be undergoing surgery for a brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation).

The NHS describes 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.”

She said on social media that she had battled the condition for four years as she shared a snap of herself in hospital. Her post read: “Full flood of emotions in this time. Life’s a journey and I’m ready for the next chapter.”

Lucy had been battling a rare brain condition in the hours leading up to her death

Her management firm, Elite Model Management branded her a “bright shining light.” In a statement, they 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.

Lucy’s family confirmed the news in a devastating social media post ( 
Image:
lucymarkovicc/Instagram)
“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.”

Sharing a snap of Lucy on the runway for her brand, Donatella Versace wrote: “I am so sorry to hear about Lucy. Rest in peace, beautiful girl.”

Model Cartia Mallan added: “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.

Tributes have poured in from across the modelling industry ( 
Image:
Getty Images AsiaPac)“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.” 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.”

Lucy, who appeared on the Australian version of the programme back in 2015 had gone on to model for the likes of Victoria Beckham, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Givenchy, Dion Lee, Sass and Bride and Ksubi and Armani. She was just 17 when she appeared on the programme and made it through to the final as she battled against Brittany Beattie who took home the first place trophy.