Former Miss Universe Russia contestant Kseniya Alexandrova has died at age 30 following a car accident involving a moose collision. The Russian model and TV personality, who represented Russia in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant, succumbed to head injuries sustained during the highway incident.
Kseniya Alexandrova was a prominent Russian model and beauty pageant contestant best known for competing in Miss Universe 2017 as Russia’s representative. Born in Moscow, the 30-year-old first gained recognition as first runner-up in the 2017 Miss Russia competition before being elevated to the international pageant when the winner chose to compete in Miss World instead. Beyond modeling, Alexandrova held a finance degree from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and had recently trained as a psychodrama therapist.
The fatal incident occurred on August 12 when Alexandrova and her husband were traveling along Russia’s M9 highway. According to Russian media reports cited by USA Today, their vehicle collided head-on with a moose that had entered the roadway. The impact caused Alexandrova to sustain severe head injuries that proved fatal. Her husband survived the crash but details of his condition weren’t disclosed.
The accident happened near Moscow on one of Russia’s major highways connecting the capital to Saint Petersburg. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred during daylight hours while the couple was traveling through a forested region known for wildlife crossings. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to save Alexandrova, who died from her injuries shortly after the collision.
While the precise circumstances remain under investigation, preliminary reports indicate the moose unexpectedly entered the highway, leaving little time for evasive action. Such collisions are not uncommon in rural Russian regions where wildlife frequently crosses roadways. No other vehicles were involved in the incident, and authorities have not suggested any contributing factors like speeding or road conditions at this stage.
Alexandrova’s modeling agency, Modus Vivendis, confirmed her death in an emotional Instagram tribute, describing her as “bright, talented, and extraordinarily bright” while noting she knew how to “inspire, support, and give warmth to everyone around her.” The Miss Universe Organization issued an official statement calling her “a symbol of beauty, kindness, and inner strength” whose “grace, beauty, and spirit left an unforgettable mark” on the pageant community.
Beyond her pageant career, Alexandrova had recently married in March 2025, sharing news of her wedding on social media that April. Colleagues remembered her motivational outlook, exemplified by her Miss Universe interview statement: “We should be strong and believe in ourselves and never give up on our dreams. In this world, everything is possible.” Her transition from finance graduate to model to therapist reflected her multifaceted ambitions.
Russian authorities continue investigating the exact circumstances of the wildlife collision. No memorial plans have been announced yet, though tributes continue pouring in from global pageant communities. The tragedy has renewed discussions about wildlife crossing safeguards on Russian highways, with transportation officials expected to review safety measures in accident-prone zones.