The international model competed on the reality show in 2015.

Lucy Markovic / Australia’s Next Top Model judges.

Former Australia’s Next Top Model contestant Lucy Markovic has passed away at the age of 27. Photos: Getty

International model and former Australia’s Next Top Model contestant Lucy Markovic has passed away at the age of 27. Her partner Carlo revealed the tragic news on her Instagram Story on Friday morning, just a few hours after asking followers for their prayers as she was “battling for her life”.

“Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed,” they wrote. “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 competed on the ninth season of Australia’s Next Top Model in 2015 at the age of 16 and finished in second place behind Brittany Beattie.

The Gold Coast-born star had suffered a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which is described as an abnormal connection between arteries and veins and can lead to bleeding and damage to brain tissue. She had to undergo emergency surgery earlier this month and went into a coma this week.

Lucy Markovic in a hospital bed.

Lucy suffered a brain arteriovenous malformation and had to undergo emergency surgery earlier this month. Photos: Instagram/lucymarkovicc

Donatella Versace has led the tributes to Lucy on social media and shared a photo of the Australian model walking a Versace runway show in 2023 to her Instagram Story.

“I am so sorry to hear the news about @lucymarkovicc. Rest in peace beautiful girl,” she wrote.

Lucy’s Australian agent Kult has also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Today, we lost a star. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lucy. She was radiant, warm and a beautiful soul.

“We will cherish being part of her journey. We extend our deepest condolences and love to her family, friends and everyone whose lives she touched. A star taken too soon, we are devastated. Be kind and love one another, we are all suffering today – rest in peace Lucy.”

The Croatian-Australian model was also represented by Select Models in Paris and London, Fabbrica Milano in Milan, and Elite Model Management in the US, who said they were “heartbroken” by the news she had passed away.

“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,” they wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

Australia’s Next Top Model judge Alex Perry has since commented a series of emojis under the post, writing: “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😔🖤”