Supermodel Elle Macpherson is jetting into Miami to be at the side of her multimillionaire former lover Jeffrey Soffer, after he narrowly escaped death in a holiday helicopter horror crash that killed his friend Lance Valdez.
Sources tell us Macpherson, who dated the 43-year-old Florida businessman and mega-developer for more than two years before they separated in March, will arrive in the next few days to visit him as he recovers from surgery, sparking rumors they could reconcile.
Soffer was traveling with four others when the chopper plunged to the ground at the upscale Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club on Great Guana Cay in the Abacos Island chain on Thanksgiving Day, killing Valdez, a tax lawyer and dad of three.
A source told us, “Jeff is very shaken up and mourning the loss of his friend. Elle is landing in Miami imminently to visit him and offer her support at a very tough time.”
Sources said Macpherson was also a close friend of Valdez, whom she had known for many years, and is believed to be traveling to the Bahamas for his funeral this weekend. Two days after the tragedy, Macpherson posted on Twitter, “Miss you Lance.”
Soffer was released from the hospital earlier this week after being treated for multiple injuries, including fractured vertebrae. He is now under doctors’ care at home in Miami. Medics have told him he isn’t healthy enough to fly to the Bahamas to attend Lance’s funeral.
Also in the chopper were Dan Riordan, who works for Soffer, and his wife Paula, who have been treated for injuries and released.
The Bahamas Ministry of Transportation and Aviation’s preliminary report into the crash said, “While attempting to land, control was lost, resulting in . . . a crash-landing.” Witnesses said a gust of wind sent the helicopter into a spin, and the tail came off as it hit the ground.
A spokesman for Macpherson said there was “no truth to” our source’s claim the model was visiting Soffer to reconcile. Reps for Soffer declined to comment last night.