Former Miss Universe contestant dies after elk collision

The death of Kseniya Alexandrova after a car crash with an elk underscores gaps in wildlife management and road safety on rural Russian highways.

Former Miss Universe contestant dies after elk collision in Russia

Kseniya Alexandrova, a Russia representative at Miss Universe 2017, died on August 12 from injuries suffered in a July 5 crash on the M9 highway near Rzhev in Tver Oblast when a large elk collided with the car. Her husband, who was driving slowly due to road repairs, said the elk suddenly appeared on the road and struck the vehicle. The impact tore through the windshield and left Alexandrova with fatal head injuries; airbags did not deploy. She remained in a coma for days before passing away.

Alexandrova had earned a psychology degree in 2021 and was beginning to see patients. The couple married in March, only four months before the accident. Her husband has said he hopes her death will prompt action to prevent similar tragedies, noting that wildlife on that stretch of road has long posed a danger.

The incident highlights how everyday life on rural roads can be shaped by wildlife, infrastructure gaps, and unpredictable surprises. It points to a broader need for safer road design, better barriers, and clearer wildlife-management measures on major routes. While a single crash cannot solve systemic risk, it can spark attention and policy discussions about balancing human mobility with animal safety.

Beyond the facts, the story shows the human costs behind traffic injuries. Public figures are not immune to everyday hazards, and their loss can mobilize communities to demand practical steps—such as improved fencing, wildlife corridors, better signage, and driver awareness campaigns—that reduce the chances of another tragedy.

Highlights

Tragedy reminds us that safe travel is a shared responsibility across drivers, communities, and policymakers.