Miss Universe Australia finalist Sienna Weir has died at the age of 23 following a horseback riding accident, with her agency Scoop Management confirming her death on Thursday.
The company posted a tribute video to its Instagram page featuring photos of the model and writing, “Forever in our hearts.”
Weir was taken off life support after several weeks in the hospital. Her accident occurred April 2 at Windsor Polo Grounds in Sydney, when her horse fell, reports E News.
Weir held a double degree in English literature and psychology from Sydney University, and previously stated during an interview with Gold Coast Magazine that she had a “deep and unmoving love for show jumping.”
“My family aren’t quite sure where this passion came from, but I’ve been horse-riding since I was 3 years old and can’t imagine my life without it,” Weir said in September. “I travel to rural Sydney two to three times a week to train and compete around New South Wales or broader Australia every other weekend.”
Australian photographer Chris Dwyer, who had worked with the beauty queen on several occasions, took to Instagram to remember her.
“You were one of the kindest souls in the world, you lit up the room and the world is a lot darker now that you are gone,” he wrote alongside a photo of Sienna.
“Hope wherever you are, you’re being the gremlin we all know and love. Miss you so much already,” he added.