Tributes flow after Australian Miss Universe finalist’s sudden death

Tributes are flowing for Sydney Miss Universe finalist Sienna Weir after her shock death following a horror horse riding accident.

Heartfelt tributes have flowed for an Australian model and Miss Universe finalist who tragically passed away after a horse riding accident.

Sienna Weir, 23, died on Thursday after being on life support for several weeks following the accident.

The Sydney model was at Windsor Polo Grounds when her horse fell on April 2, critically injuring her.

The talented equestrian was rushed to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition but sadly died from her injuries.

In social media posts, friends expressed their grief over the loss of the former SCEGGS Darlinghurst student.

Sienna Weir tragically died after a horse riding accident. Picture: Supplied

“You lit up every room you walked into and had the presence of an angel … it’s rare to meet such an amazing person like you,” one said.

Another described Sienna, who had just graduated from her double degree in English literature and psychology at Sydney University, as “irreplaceable”.

“Life is unfair and I am in utter disbelief that you aren’t here,” they wrote

“You had the brightest shining light, you are irreplaceable … my heart is broken.”

The young woman had been riding horse since the age of three.

In 2022, she was a finalist in the Miss Universe Australia modelling competition, where she raised funds for ToyBox Australia, a charity supporting children with cancer.

Equestrian Australia chief executive Darren Gocher said the equestrian community was shocked by her death.

Her friends and family posted heartfelt tributes. Picture: Supplied

The young was described as an "angel". Picture: Instagram / Sienna Weir

“We are devastated,” he said.

“We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Ms Weir’s family.

“We are very saddened by this tragedy. We respect the family’s wish for privacy at this time.”

In 2016, the equestrian community was hit hard by the deaths of two teenagers who died while taking part in separate competitions.

Olivia Inglis was competing in a cross-country course at Scone in March 2016 when she and her horse fell during a jump.

The 17-year-old died after sustaining serious chest injuries.

Just two months later, 19-year-old Caitlyn Fischer died after she and her horse fell in a similar cross-country event, dying instantly from head injuries.

Friends and family paid tribute. Picture: Supplied

Ms Weir as seen on social media. Picture: Instagram / Sienna Weir

Ms Weir’s agency, Scoop Management, also shared several photos of the model, stating that she will “always be remembered”.

The ambitious young woman was planning to move to London in the coming years to spend time with her family and expand her professional and social networks.

“Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel today. I’ll miss everything about you Siena, I love you,” another friend said on social media.

“I’m so lucky to have known you. Thank you for everything.”

Photographer Chris Dwyer also posted a tribute to Ms Weir, who was one of 27 finalists in the 2022 Australian Miss Universe competition. Her sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her memory will continue to live on.

Those close to her say that she will ‘always be remembered’. Picture: Instagram

“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,” Dwyer posted.

“Hope wherever you are, you’re being the gremlin we all know and love. Miss you so much already.”

In an interview with Gold Coast Magazine, Ms Weir spoke about her passion for horse riding and how it set her apart from other Miss Universe contestants.

“My family aren’t quite sure where this passion came from, but I’ve been horseriding since I was 3 years old and can’t imagine my life without it,” she said at the time.

“I travel to rural Sydney 2-3 times a week to train and compete around New South Wales or broader Australia every other weekend.”

Originally published as Tributes flow after Australian Miss Universe finalist’s sudden death