The pageant world is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Miss Universe Australia finalist Sienna Weir died at the age of 23, according to her agency Scoop Management. On May 4, the company shared a tribute video featuring photos of the model, writing on Instagram, “Forever in our hearts.”
Sienna passed away being taken off life support following horseback riding accident, per News.com.au. According to the Australian outlet, Sienna was riding at Windsor Polo Grounds in Sydney April 2 when her horse fell. She was rushed to Westmead Hospital, where she spent several weeks on life support before her death.
The beauty queen had a double degree in English literature and psychology from Sydney University and previously told Gold Coast Magazine 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,” she shared 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.”
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In the wake of her death, Australian photographer Chris Dwyer—who worked with Sienna on several occasions— took to social media to pay tribute to the fallen contestant. “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 on his Instagram Stories alongside a photo of Sienna. “Hope wherever you are, you’re being the gremlin we all know and love. Miss you so much already.”
Meanwhile, model Sofia Reynal shared on her page, “You are forever the angel we always knew, beaming with so much joy, looking above us, touching the hearts of everyone who was lucky to have met you. My heart breaks, no words could ever describe the pain that stems from so much love. That love you unconditionally shined.”
Sienna’s Instagram posts were also flooded with condolences, with pageant star Jasmin Selberg writing in the comments section, “As a fellow equestrian, this pains me even more. Rest in Peace.”
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