What began as a quiet drive home for Kseniya Alexandrova and her husband turned into a horrifying tragedy that claimed the young model’s life.

Kseniya Alexandrova, a 30-year-old former Miss Universe contestant and licensed psychologist, died from brain injuries on Aug. 12, more than a month after an elk smashed through the windshield of the car in which she was a passenger, as People reports.

The devastating accident occurred on July 5, as Alexandrova and her husband were driving near Tver Oblast, a region northwest of Moscow. The couple had been returning from Rzhev, a historical town known for its war memorials, when the animal unexpectedly entered their path.

Crash leaves passenger unconscious

According to reports from the Russian media agency Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the elk appeared out of nowhere and collided with the front of the couple’s car, bursting through the glass on impact. Alexandrova was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the collision and was rendered unconscious immediately.

“From the moment it jumped out to the impact, a split second passed. I didn't have time to do anything,” her husband told local reporters, still in shock after witnessing the terrifying scene unfold in an instant.

As the shattered glass settled, the car’s interior was left in a gruesome condition. “Everything was covered in blood,” he added. Witnesses and passing drivers rushed to the scene, alerting emergency services and attempting to assist while they waited for help to arrive.

Rush to save victim ensues

First responders reached the scene approximately 15 minutes after the crash and transported Alexandrova to a medical facility in Moscow. While her husband emerged from the crash physically unscathed, Alexandrova's injuries were critical from the outset. She remained in intensive care for several weeks.

Her medical team worked tirelessly to manage complications from traumatic brain injuries. Despite efforts to stabilize her condition, her health gradually declined. Alexandrova succumbed to her injuries on Aug. 12 -- 38 days after the crash.

News of her death was confirmed the following day, on Aug. 13, by Alexandrova's modeling agency, Modus Vivendis. They released a public statement honoring her not only as a gifted professional but also as a warm and compassionate individual.

Modeling world m ourns

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our colleague and friend, model Kseniya Alexandrova, passed away yesterday evening,” the agency’s statement read. “Kseniya was bright and talented. She knew how to inspire, support, and give warmth to everyone who was around."

In further tribute, Modus Vivendis described her as “a symbol of beauty, kindness and inner strength," adding, “We sincerely mourn and express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone who had the good fortune to know Kseniya.”

Alexandrova had a multi-faceted career. In addition to her modeling achievements, which included representing Russia in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant and placing first runner-up in Miss Russia the same year, she also holds a degree in psychology from the Moscow Pedagogical State University. She had been actively working in the mental health field.

Marriage cut tragically short

The accident came just months after a milestone in her personal life. Alexandrova and her husband had only recently tied the knot, having been married for four months at the time of the crash. The newlyweds’ joyful chapter was brought to a sudden halt.

Photos and posts shared by Alexandrova on social media in the past years showed a woman full of life, compassion, and vision. In November 2022, she mentioned her passion for helping others through her work in psychology, seeking to integrate beauty and intellect in her public roles.

News of her death sent shockwaves through Russia’s entertainment, fashion, and mental health communities, where Alexandrova was celebrated for her diverse talents and radiant persona.

Lessons to learn

While tragedies like these are sudden and unpredictable, there are key learnings that can help reduce risks on the road:

1. Be vigilant in rural or forested areas: Wildlife crossings are unpredictable. Drivers should reduce speed in forested regions, especially around dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
2. Awareness is key for both drivers and passengers: Although Alexandrova was not driving, passengers also need to remain alert, as conditions on the road can change in an instant.
3. Emergency preparedness saves lives: The swift response of drivers and emergency services was commendable. Keeping a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit and knowing how to alert authorities quickly is critical.

Despite the best precautions, certain tragedies are unavoidable. It’s essential to remember that no matter how careful someone is, accidents can still happen. Blame should never fall on the victims.

Why this story matters

This story is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can be shattered by forces outside of our control. The tragic loss of a young, accomplished woman with a promising future resonates across various communities -- from pageants and mental health to everyday families taking a simple drive.

It highlights the fragility of life and the importance of infrastructure, awareness, and emergency care in the aftermath of rural road accidents involving wildlife.

By reflecting on such stories, we can collectively push for safer roads, increase awareness of rural dangers, and better support victims and their families in times of crisis.