Kseniya Alexandrova, a Russian model and TV personality who competed in the 2017 Miss Universe competition, has died. She was 30.
Alexandrova died on Aug. 12, her modeling agency, Modus Vivendis, confirmed in an emotional Instagram post on Aug. 13. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“Kseniya was bright, talented, and extraordinarily bright,” the agency said. “She knew how to inspire, support, and give warmth to everyone around her. For us, she will forever remain a symbol of beauty, kindness, and inner strength.”
According to Russian media, Alexandrova died in a car accident while she and her husband were traveling on the M9 highway, Alexandrova’s spouse told RIA Novosti. The couple reportedly collided head-on with a moose that had entered the road, and Alexandrova sustained a blow to the head.
Alexandrova and her husband, whose name was not disclosed, were married in March, the model announced in an April 2 Instagram post.
USA TODAY has reached out to Modus Vivendis and the Miss Universe Organization for comment.
Born in Moscow, Alexandrova represented her hometown in the 2017 Miss Russia competition and won first runner-up. The previous year, the model graduated from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, where she earned a finance degree.
Following her Miss Russia success, Alexandrova went on to compete in the 2017 Miss Universe competition after Miss Russia winner, Polina Popova, opted to compete in the Miss World competition.
“I want people all around the world to believe in themselves and to always have a dream,” said Alexandrova in an interview during the competition, translated from Russian. “We should be strong and believe in ourselves and never give up on our dreams. In this world, everything is possible.”
In an Aug. 14 statement shared to its official social media channels, the Miss Universe Organization paid tribute to the late beauty pageant alum, offering the “deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone whose life was touched by the light of Miss Universe Russia 2017.”
In addition to her success in the modeling world, Alexandrova continued her studies after her Miss Universe stint. In a November 2022 Instagram post, Alexandrova shared that she was a practicing psychodrama therapist.
“Her grace, beauty, and spirit left an unforgettable mark on the Miss Universe family and beyond,” the Miss Universe Organization concluded. “May her memory continue to inspire kindness, strength, and love in all those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
