Former Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson found dead

Former Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson, 47, was found dead at her Woolloomooloo home, in Sydney.

The former model and TV presenter who was born in New Zealand had long been suffering from depression, according to Daily Mail.

Dawson's spokesman, Benji Hart of London Management, confirmed the news of the star's death, saying: "London Management is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Charlotte Dawson.

Our thoughts and sincere condolence are with her family at this difficult time." Police have confirmed that a 47-year-old woman was discovered in a unit in the upmarket area after a call earlier in the day.

The police said in a statement that there were no "suspicious circumstances" surrounding her death, and "police investigations are continuing".

A source said that Dawson had been in "the worst shape emotionally" prior to her death. Friends were concerned when her Twitter account was untouched for at least 19 hours.

A friend has also alerted her apartment's building management after Dawson did not turn up for lunch earlier in the week.

Her close friend, Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, was seen breaking down in tears when the news broke, says Daily Mail.

Crowe, 49, and Dawson were friends from their teenage years and share the same background. They both grew up in New Zealand but moved to Australia.

They also lived near each other in Woolloomooloo. In the past, Dawson had openly discussed her long-term battle with depression.

She was hospitalised in 2012, reportedly for attempting to take her own life after Internet trolls sent bullying messages to her when she took part in an anti-bullying programme.

But the online abuse continued when she appeared on TV after her hospital stay to talk about Twitter bullying. Dawson also revealed that she had received several death threats.

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