A Russian model and former Miss Universe contestant has died after a shocking highway accident involving a wild elk.
Kseniya Alexandrova, 30, was critically injured on July 5 when the animal hurled itself through the windshield of her Porsche Panamera in Tver Oblast, Russia. Despite weeks in a coma, she succumbed to her injuries on August 12, according to RIA.
The crash happened as Alexandrova and her husband were returning home from the town of Rzhev along the M-9 highway.
Husband Describes the Tragic Collision
Her husband, who has not been publicly named, described the terrifying moment the animal appeared out of nowhere.
“From the moment it jumped out to the impact, a split second passed. I didn’t have time to do anything,” he said.
Both were wearing seatbelts, and the car was moving at a relatively low speed, he added. Still, the impact was devastating.
“She was unconscious, her head was fractured, everything was covered in blood. The frontal bones of the skull were broken – it was an open cranial-brain injury,” he recounted.
Four Months of Marriage Ends in Tragedy
The couple had been married only four months before the freak accident, as shown in her Instagram posts. Alexandrova was not only a successful model but also a psychologist with a degree from Moscow Pedagogical State University.
Pageant Career and International Recognition
Alexandrova represented Russia at the 2017 Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, after finishing as runner-up in that year’s Miss Russia competition. She was known for her poise, elegance, and striking presence on stage.
Heartfelt Tribute From Modeling Agency
Her agency, Modus Vivendis, confirmed her death in a statement released on August 13.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our colleague and friend, model Kseniya Alexandrova, passed away yesterday evening,” the statement read.
“Kseniya was bright [and] talented. She knew how to inspire, support and give warmth to everyone who was around,” it continued. “For us, she will forever remain a symbol of beauty, kindness and inner strength.”