Hidden detail in model Gemma Ward’s Instagram update

An Australian supermodel has revealed she has been quietly facing a brutal injury following an accident.

An Australian supermodel has revealed she has been quietly facing a brutal injury following an accident.

Gemma Ward, 37, took to social media to share an update on what had been happening in her life — but fans were stunned to learn what had been happening behind the scenes.

Since her last post in January, where she posted happy snaps from her holiday that she captioned “paradise”, she said “a lot had happened”.

“I broke three vertebrae in my spine from a surfing accident,” she told her followers, alongside a photo of herself in her walk-in wardrobe. In the snap, she is wearing a neck brace.

The carousel of images also included her three children — Naia, 13, Jet, 8, and Kirra, who was born in June 2020 — who she shares with partner David Letts playing at the beach, at the skate park and never being too far from the Perth woman’s shadow.

Gemma Ward is an Australian model. Picture: Instagram/Gemma Ward

She didn’t share any further detail as to when the injury happened or the extent of which it had impacted her life. The model just explained that she was working on maintaining her strength following the horror happening.

Breaking a vertebrae in your back can lead to an intense amount of pain, nerve damage or even paralysis.

“I flew to Paris to shoot for Lancôme again which was a complete honour but in the wake of my accident I forgot to renew my passport so I had to get an emergency one and nearly missed the whole shoots,” she said.

“I ‍️finished a Faber novel writing course which was phenomenal, read some great books, reflected on my life and the current state of the world.

“Currently working on my strength and rehabilitation and my novel as well as the strange mess of life with three kids. Hope you are all doing well and getting some rest here and there.”

Fellow model Nicole Trunfio was among those shocked at the news, as was Jessica Gomes.

“So many emotions️. Get better soon️‍. Miss you and the babes and a NOVEL. I cannot (wait) to read! Xoxoxo,” Trunfio said.

She revealed she broke three vertebrae in her back. Picture: Instagram/Gemma Ward

Meanwhile Gomes added: “Always back in full form! You are the best! Love you big!!!”

“When it rains it pours,” Maya Stepper said.

Other friends and fans of the model were also quick to share their shock at the revelation.

“I hope you heal up soon️. It’s been wonderful to see your face around again,” one person said.

Another added: “Sending huge compassion Gemma — I know the mum juggles and recalibration of the cards life deals, thinking of you.”

“Oh my gosh, I hope you are feeling better soon,” one person said.

Meanwhile, another said; “Sending lots of positive vibes for your healing journey. You are doing an amazing job to keep showing up. It’s (nice) to see you navigating all the roles in life with grace and dedication.”

Ward has been in the modelling industry for more than two decades, in 2024 alone she was part of campaigns for Tasaki, Lancome and H&M. She also appeared on the covers of Elle Australia and Vogue Polska, as well as editorials for MARFA and Russh.

Originally published as Hidden detail in model Gemma Ward’s Instagram update