Former Miss Universe contestant Kseniya Alexandrova dies aged 30 in freak accident involving elk as husband speaks out

Kseniya Alexandrova, a former Miss Universe contestant, has died weeks after an elk smashed through the windshield of her husband's car.

On July 5, the 30-year-old was traveling between Rzhev in western Russia - roughly a three-hour drive west of Moscow, when a large elk jumped onto the road.

Tragically, the animal came through the windshield of their Porsche Panamera striking the model in the head. The airbags did not inflate as the impact struck the elk's legs.

Speaking with local news outlet RIA Novosti, her husband Ilya - who she only wed in March this year - said: "An elk jumped out from somewhere, jumped out in front of the car.

"From the moment it jumped out until the impact, a split second passed. I did not have time to do anything.

"The elk flew into the car. The blow hit Ksyusha in the head. She was unconscious, her head was broken, everything was covered in blood.

"The worst thing is that the frontal bones of the skull were broken. It was clear that there was an open craniocerebral injury."

He explained that his wife went into a deep coma before regaining consciousness.

Ilya went on to provide heartbreaking details of Kseniya's condition, noting that after she regained consciousness she was still unable to speak as she was placed on life-support.

"One day she suddenly went back into a coma. They diagnosed meningitis, which turned into more severe inflammatory diseases of the brain," he continued.

"The tests began to deteriorate, and it got to blood sepsis. They were able to restart the heart once... but the next day Kseniya died - they were unable to restart the heart."

Her death was confirmed on Wednesday (August 13) by her modelling agency, Modus Vivendis, on Instagram - dubbing her 'extraordinarily bright' and talented.

The post read: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our colleague and friend, model Kseniya Alexandrova, passed away last night.

"Kseniya was bright, talented and extraordinarily bright. 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.

"We sincerely mourn and express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Kseniya. A bright memory..."