In a tragic turn of events, Ruslana Korshunova, a prominent model known for her work with high-end fashion brands, tragically ended her life by jumping from her apartment in Wall Street. Prior to this, she had been linked to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in court documents.
Korshunova, only 18 at the time, was a passenger on Epstein’s private jet, dubbed the “Lolita Express,” in 2006. This flight took her to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, an event that occurred roughly two years before her untimely death.
At the time of her death, Korshunova was an acclaimed model for brands such as Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Vera Wang, and Nina Ricci perfume. Her demise was a shock to many, including her ex-boyfriend, who indicated that she had internal struggles that she kept to herself.
The circumstances surrounding her visit to Epstein’s island remain unclear. Epstein, known for his sexual exploitation of underage girls, was on the flight with Korshunova, accompanied by his staff members and an unidentified former UFC fighter.
Years after Korshunova’s death, Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein, was contacted by her attorney to identify if she knew Korshunova, but Giuffre could not recall meeting her.
Korshunova’s death at 20 was a result of her jumping from her ninth-floor balcony, leaving a scene that deeply impacted witnesses. She had reportedly been struggling with personal and professional issues, as shared by her ex-boyfriend, Artem Perchenok.
Known for her striking green eyes and long chestnut hair, earning her the nickname “The Russian Rapunzel,” Korshunova was discovered in 2003 and quickly rose to prominence in the modeling world. She was represented by IMG, a prestigious modeling agency, at the time of her death.
Her connection to Epstein, who faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, adds a layer of mystery to her story. The peak of her career coincided with her association with Epstein, and it is uncertain if this had any impact on her later life.
Furthermore, Korshunova was reportedly involved in a controversial self-help group, as noted in a 2014 book by Peter Pomerantsev. This involvement came during a challenging phase in her career and personal life, including a painful breakup with an oligarch referred to as “Alexander.”
Korshunova’s life and untimely death paint a complex portrait of a young woman navigating the challenging world of high fashion, amidst personal struggles and connections to controversial figures.