Instead of spending her final days in despair, Lucy Markovic leaned into life with incredible optimism and gratitude.
The 27-year-old Australian model—known to many from her appearance on Australia’s Next Top Model—chose to share her journey toward a risky brain surgery with her followers.
Even knowing the odds, Lucy approached every moment with courage and warmth, backed by the unwavering love of her family and partner, Carlos.
Choosing Positivity Despite the Risks
Lucy had been living with a rare and dangerous brain condition known as arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
It meant that each year, she had a 4% chance of suffering a brain hemorrhage.
After spending four years researching doctors and undergoing treatments in Australia, she finally found a neurosurgeon in Berlin she believed in.
As her surgery date approached, Lucy stayed upbeat and hopeful.
In a TikTok video from her hospital bed, she told her followers, “After this, I’ll be in the clear. I’ll be free.”
Her loved ones—her mom, her sisters, and Carlos—had flown in to be by her side.
She embraced it all with excitement, saying she couldn’t wait to live fully again after everything.
Small Rituals, Big Meaning
Believing in the power of little things to bring luck, Lucy filled her hospital stay with the color red.
She wore red pajamas, red slippers, even red nail polish and underwear—thanks to a friend who told her red symbolized good fortune.
While her AVM had grown to the size of a golf ball by then, Lucy clung to the idea that brighter days lay ahead.
The operation was originally planned for March 26 but got delayed to April 2.
As the new date drew closer, she made the most of the days leading up to it.
With Carlos and her family, she explored Berlin, took spa breaks, played Minecraft, and focused on staying calm.
A Mixture of Nerves and Confidence
Two days before surgery, Lucy opened up about the emotional toll of signing paperwork that acknowledged the risks involved.
She described the surreal feeling of being both fine and overwhelmed, laughing nervously about how everyone had flown in for what she jokingly called a “really big nap.”
Despite some tears and anxiety, she repeatedly expressed her trust in her surgeon and gratitude for the support system around her.
She remained confident, even as she admitted she was scared.
A Moment of Light Before the Darkness
Post-surgery, there was a glimmer of hope.
Lucy posted a video strutting like a model down her hospital corridor in her signature red pajamas, lightly touching the wall for support.
It was a brief, heartwarming moment that showed she still had her spirit—even in recovery.
But behind the scenes, her condition began to take a sudden, tragic turn.
Swelling in her brain became critical.
Carlos shared on social media that unless the swelling was reduced, emergency surgery to remove part of her skull would be necessary.
Sadly, Lucy didn’t recover.
Saying Goodbye to a Bright Soul
Lucy’s passing was confirmed in an emotional Instagram story: “I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed. She was at peace. Me, her mother and my mother were present with her.”
The family requested privacy as they grieved.
Tributes flooded in from friends, fans, and colleagues around the world.
Elite Model Management, who worked closely with Lucy, honored her as a “shining light” who brought elegance, strength, and laughter into every room she entered.
Remembering Lucy: A Legacy of Beauty and Bravery
Lucy’s sister Jelena, also a model, poured her heart into a heartbreaking tribute: “This feels unreal. My world has shattered into a million pieces.”
Her pain echoed the grief of so many who had followed Lucy’s journey.
What made Lucy unforgettable wasn’t just her beauty or modeling success—it was her resilience, her ability to laugh through the fear, and the love she shared so freely.
Even in her final days, Lucy taught others how to face the hardest moments with grace.
