
Australian model Lucy Markovic, who finished second in the 2016 edition of “Australia’s Next Top Model,” passed away last Thursday at the age of 27. The cause of death was complications from a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — a rare and serious condition that led her to undergo emergency surgery on April 2.
The announcement was made by her partner, Carlos, in an emotional Instagram post:
“Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed away. She was at peace. I, her mother, and my mother were with her. We kindly ask for space during this difficult time. May Lucy rest in peace.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, AVM is described as a “tangle of blood vessels that creates abnormal connections between arteries and veins,” which can prevent oxygen from reaching brain tissue. The condition affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 people and, when symptomatic, can cause severe headaches, seizures, and brain hemorrhages.
Lucy had publicly shared her battle on social media. On March 26, she revealed she was preparing for a delicate brain surgery to treat the AVM, located in the back of her brain — roughly the size of a golf ball. The procedure, originally scheduled for that week, was postponed to April 2.
In her final Instagram post, the model expressed a wave of emotions:
“Luck + misfortune – Radiation, seizures, heavy medication and 4 years later. Excited, grateful, scared, supported, hopeful. A wave of emotions in this moment. Life is a journey and I’m ready for the next chapter.”
According to the Australian Broadcast Corporation, Lucy was “fighting for her life” on the night of the procedure. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media and among fans of the show, where she was celebrated for her authenticity and charisma.
Lucy Markovic leaves behind family, friends, and admirers, as well as a legacy of courage in openly sharing her struggle with such a rare and challenging condition.
Source: mayoclinic / Images: Instagram @lucymarkovicc. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.