Georgina Cooper, the iconic 1990s supermodel who captured hearts with her striking looks, has passed away at the age of 46. She died suddenly while on a long-time beloved holiday in Greece, following complications from cirrhosis of the liver and internal bleeding.
The model, known by her married name, Georgina Smith, was vacationing on the Greek island of Kos on October 21, a place she had frequently visited for the past two decades. She had been staying with her partner Nigel when she fell ill and was rushed to the island’s hospital. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, and she was airlifted to a better-equipped medical facility in Heraklion, Crete. After five days in intensive care, Georgina passed away.
A local coroner confirmed that no autopsy was necessary due to Georgina’s known medical history. She died from liver failure and internal bleeding after her organs shut down. Her body was flown back to the UK a few days after her death.
A spokesperson from the hospital in Crete stated, “The doctors did everything they could, but due to her condition, there was little that could be done. She passed away from cirrhosis of the liver and internal bleeding after multiple organ failure.”
Georgina’s family, including her husband Nigel, are still coming to terms with the devastating loss. The couple had married earlier this year, and Georgina had been looking forward to the next chapter of her life. Friends and family will gather for a funeral service at Vinters Park Crematorium near her home in Maidstone, Kent, next Wednesday.
Known as one of the most celebrated models of the 1990s, Georgina rose to fame with her distinctive gap-toothed smile. She graced the covers of magazines like Vogue and The Face, and was featured in music videos, including a memorable appearance in Bon Jovi’s Lay Your Hands on Me in 1989. Despite her glamorous career, Georgina chose to step back from modeling to raise her son Sonny and later worked in hospitality.
Her death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from friends and fellow supermodels. Jade Parfitt, a close friend, remembered her as “a ray of light” and “a true superstar.” Other modeling icons, including Helena Christensen, Erin O’Connor, and Jodie Kidd, also expressed their heartbreak, recalling the joy Georgina brought to everyone around her with her vibrant personality.
Dean Goodman, Georgina’s former agent, shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as the “original gap-toothed girl” and expressing deep sorrow over her passing. “She had plans for the future and was looking forward to the next chapter of her life,” he said.
Georgina’s last years were marked by a quieter life, including her work at a local pub, the Fox & Goose, where she and Nigel celebrated their wedding earlier this year. Despite her health struggles, including complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgina was loved for her down-to-earth nature and sense of fun.
Her friends and family now hope to honor her memory with a dignified farewell, reflecting on the joy and warmth she brought to their lives.