The Aussie native’s partner shared the heartbreaking news of her death online. According to reports, she had been “battling for her life” in the days leading up to her sudden passing. “Australia’s Next Top Model” alum Lucy Markovic has died at 27. The tragic news was confirmed by her partner, Carlos, who shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story on April 10. “Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed,” the post read. “She was at peace. Me, her mother and my mother were present with her.”
The message concluded with a request for privacy during this time of mourning, “We ask you to please give us space in these hard times. May Lucy rest in peace.” Just hours before confirming her death, a post announced she was “battling for her life.” The announcement of her death was followed by more details from her agency. Elite Model Management in New York shared that Markovic passed away “after a brave battle” with a brain arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. The Mayo Clinic describes AVM as “a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins in the brain.”In her final weeks, Markovic spoke openly about her health. She was set to have brain surgery on March 26, 2025, to treat the AVM, which she said was “the size of a golf ball.” The procedure was later pushed to April 2. Her last post read
A tribute remembered the fashion figure for her joy and spirit, expressing love and the hope of meeting again, “Fly free… We love you Lucy, forever.” In the days leading up to her passing, Markovic shared a glimpse of her hospital stay on TikTok. On April 1, 2025, she spoke of delays in her angiogram and MRI, which were eventually completed. She called the process “painful” and said she “cried a little bit,” admitting she was frightened and dealing with leg pain. Despite feeling “a little bit shaken up,” Markovic felt reassured by her surgeon and thankful for the support of her partner and close friends, who stood by her throughout. Just days earlier, Markovic had also taken to TikTok to share what life looked like before heading to the hospital. Two days ahead of surgery, she admitted to feeling nervous but said having her family close helped take her mind off the fear. She said
Watching her loved ones spending time together brought her comfort, even though the situation felt both unreal and very real at once. Markovic expected to remain hospitalized for two weeks. She had been waiting four years for the procedure, after a previous round of radiation had failed. Her AVM was too large, something her radiologist in Australia had not realized at the time. As the hospital stay began, Markovic shared another update, revealing that she and her family had traveled to Germany, where she finally found a neurologist she trusted. Radiation treatment, she explained, usually takes two to three years to work — though in her case, it had failed.
Footage showed her loved ones settling in at the hospital, with Markovic signing forms and noting that her partner would remain with her overnight. Her family also planned to stay nearby, offering support during a time she still described as surreal. The hospital staff, she mentioned, had been kind and welcoming.While reviewing more documents — meant for precaution in case of complications — Markovic admitted to feeling anxious, torn between waves of nausea and calm. She said “It is a very weird situation.” As preparations continued, Markovic shared why she had chosen a private hospital. Given the seriousness of her condition, she explained that there was a four percent annual risk of brain hemorrhage — odds she considered too dangerous to ignore.
Still, she looked ahead with hope. “After this, I will be in the clear, I will be free and I’m so excited. I can’t wait to live life after this whole entire mess,” the model said. Surrounded by her family, she remained grateful for their constant presence. Despite her hopeful outlook, Markovic’s story came to a heartbreaking end. The model, who had modeled for Versace’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, was one of the bright talents lost far too soon.
