New York City (USA) - Top model Lucy Markovic (†27) has died after a difficult battle against a rare brain disease. The successful catwalk beauty stood on the runways of the international fashion world, including for the luxury brands Givenchy and Versace.

The agency Elite Model Management announced Lucy's death in a moving Instagram post on Friday, April 11.

In it, they described Lucy as a "bright shining light" and went on to write: "She brought elegance, strength and beauty to her work. But even more than that, she brought herself - her warmth, her laughter, her light."

The former "Australian's Next Top Model" finalist died from an arteriovenous malformation of the brain (AVM) - a condition in which blood vessels malform and arteries are directly connected to veins. The model had been struggling with the rare disease for four years.

Her partner also spoke out on Instagram. Just a few hours earlier, he had reported on the critical condition of his girlfriend, who had been in a coma for several days and was fighting for her life.

Famous designer Donatella Versace (69) was among those touched by the death of the young model.

She shared an Instagram post in her story and left a touching comment: "Rest in peace, beautiful girl."

The 27-year-old often walked the catwalk for the Italian brand or was part of its campaigns.