Former Australia's Next Top Model star Lucy Markovic dies, aged 27: 'A bright shining light'

Australian model Lucy Markovic, a former Australia's Next Top Model contestant has died aged 27.

The news was announced in a post on her Instagram Story. It is understood it was posted by her partner.

"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.

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"We ask you to please give us space in these hard times.

"May Lucy rest in peace."

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The model had suffered a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and underwent an emergency brain surgery.

Markovic's modelling agency Elite Model Management NYC also shared the news in a statement on its Instagram page.

"We are heartbroken to share that Lucy Markovic has passed away after a brave battle with a brain AVM," the agency 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.

"She loved to dance, she really shined."

The agency continued to share, "modeling 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."

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace paid tribute to the model on her Instagram story.

"I am so sorry to hear the news about Lucy Markovic, rest in peace, beautiful girl," she wrote.

Markovic modelled for Versace last year.

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Last month, Markovic shared an update on her health to Instagram telling her more than 90,000 followers that she was scheduled for surgery.

"Lucky + unlucky - Radiation, seizures, heavy medication and 4 years later," she wrote on the 6th of March.

"I will be undergoing brain surgery on the 26th of this month for the AVM in the back of my brain (arteriovenous malformation) that is the size of a golf ball,"

She later updated the post to share that the surgery had been moved to Wednesday April 2.

"Excited, thankful, scared, supported, hopeful," she added.

"Full flood of emotions in this time. Life's a journey and I'm ready for the next chapter."

Late last night, Markovic's loved one shared a devastating update to her Instagram.

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"Lucy is currently battling for her life, we need all your prayers right now," the post read.

Six hours later, her death was announced.

The model was a runner-up on season nine of the reality TV show Australia's Next Top Model.

She went on to become an international model working with the likes of Versace, Givenchy and Dion Lee.

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