Former Miss Universe Contestant Ksenia Alexandrova Dies After Moose Collision in Russia
Ksenia Alexandrova, a Russian model, psychologist, and first runner-up at Miss Russia 2017 who went on to compete at Miss Universe, has died at the age of 30 after a collision with a moose on a forested highway near Rzhev. The incident has reignited calls for wildlife fencing and other measures where major roads intersect animal migration routes.
Key Points
- Crash occurred on August 5, 2025, during a return drive from Rzhev.
- The moose reportedly broke through the windshield; airbags did not deploy.
- Alexandrova was hospitalized in intensive care, briefly regained consciousness, then relapsed into a coma.
- Doctors later reported complications including meningitis, severe brain inflammation, and sepsis.
- She suffered cardiac arrests on August 11 and August 12, the latter proving fatal.
What Happened on the Highway
According to her husband, a moose “appeared out of nowhere” as they traveled at a moderate speed. Despite both occupants wearing seatbelts, the animal’s mass caused catastrophic damage when it smashed through the windshield, striking Alexandrova in the head. The car involved was a Porsche Panamera; preliminary accounts indicate the airbags did not deploy.
“There are no protective fences to keep wild animals off this stretch of road. From the moment the moose appeared to the impact, there was only a split second—I couldn’t react.”
Medical Timeline and Outcome
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and transported Alexandrova first to a hospital in Rzhev before a medical transfer to Moscow. She briefly regained consciousness but soon deteriorated. Physicians documented a cascade of complications—initially meningitis, followed by a more severe inflammatory brain condition and, ultimately, sepsis. She experienced a cardiac arrest on August 11 and a second on August 12, which was fatal.
Tributes from Pageant and Fashion Communities
Her modeling agency, Modus Vivendis, and the Miss Russia organization confirmed her passing and praised her for her empathy, generosity, and consistent support for charity events. Colleagues and friends described her as a role model who combined public recognition with a commitment to mental health and philanthropy.
Road Safety Questions Resurface
The tragedy has renewed attention on wildlife–vehicle collisions in Russia’s forested regions. Advocates argue for targeted fencing, improved signage, and driver awareness campaigns along known migration corridors. Alexandrova’s husband said he intends to petition for protective nets and barriers on the stretch where the crash occurred, hoping that reforms can prevent future deaths.