‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ Contestant Lucy Markovic Dead At 27

“Australia’s Next Top Model” runner-up Lucy Markovic died following complications from a rare brain condition Thursday at the age of 27.

Markovic suffered from a brain arteriovenous malformation, which she had emergency surgery for on April 2, according to the New York Post. News of her death was announced by her agency, Elite NYC, on their official Instagram page.

“We are heartbroken to share that Lucy Markovic has passed away after a brave battle with a brain AVM,” the model management group wrote. “Lucy was a bright shining light, and had an incredible dry sense of humor. Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 17: Model Lucy Markovic walks the runway in a design by Aqua Blu during the Swim show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Carriageworks on May 17, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)

Elite NYC paid tribute to Markovic by saying, “She loved to dance, she really shined.” The agency shared fond memories.

“Modeling was one of Lucy’s dreams, and we are deeply honored 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,” they wrote.

They concluded with a heartfelt message to the model’s loved ones.

“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.”

The Mayo Clinic describes AVM as “a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. This disrupts blood flow and prevents tissues from receiving oxygen.” Arteriovenous malformations only occur in 1 in 100,000 people annually in “unselected populations,” according to a study published by Oxford Academic.

Prominent names in the fashion industry led the tributes that quickly flooded social media as fans and loved ones united in grief.

Donatella Versace reposted an image of Markovic in an Instagram story, writing, “I am so sorry to hear the news about @lucymarkovicc. Rest in peace beautiful girl.”

Markovic rose to fame at the age of 16 on “Australia’s Next Top Model” in 2015, according to the New York Post. (RELATED: ‘Euphoria,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Eric Dane Reveals Devastating Medical Diagnosis)

She modeled for top fashion houses including Givenchy, Versace, Victoria Beckham and Emporio Armani.