Modeling agency founder Eileen Ford dead at 92

New York: Eileen Ford, who helped launch the careers of models like Lauren Hutton, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell through her modeling agency Ford Models, has died at the age of 92. Eileen died on July 9 in New York, reportedly. "Eileen Ford was an industry icon and pioneer and everyone in the Ford Models family will miss her dearly," a statement from her agency said. "Eileen`s contributions to the modeling and fashion industries are unmatched. She founded Ford Models 68 years ago and due to her unwavering passion, curiosity and drive, grew Ford into one of the world`s most prestigious agencies. We are incredibly proud and grateful for her revolutionary spirit and the values she instilled in Ford Models." Rachel Hunter, who began her career with Ford, tweeted after hearing the news of her death. "Rip Eileen Ford. I`m incredibly sad. You changed my life! Strong loving industry pioneer! Love, thoughts & Prayers to all the Family," Hunter said. The other prominent faces that Ford trained include names like Suzy Parker, Jean Shrimpton, Ali MacGraw, Margaux Hemingway, Sharon Stone, Christie Brinkley, Jerry Hall, Melanie Griffith, Kim Basinger and Brooke Shields. Ford is survived by her four children Katie, Jamie, Gerard William Ford Jr and Lacey Jerry Ford, Eileen`s husband, died in 2008.