Christie Brinkley Marks 25 Years Since She Almost Died in a Helicopter Crash: 'Each Day Is a Gift'

Christie Brinkley is grateful to be alive after a 1994 high-flying ski adventure turned into a near-fatal nightmare.

On Monday, the 25th anniversary of the helicopter crash that almost killed Brinkley and five others in Telluride, Colorado, the model reflected on the terrifying incident and her perspective on life since that day.

Along with the sentimental Instagram post, Brinkley, 65, also shared the April 18, 1994 issue of PEOPLE, which she featured on the cover of, showing off her injury from the accident — a bandaged splint on her swollen left wrist.

“This happened 25 years ago today and not a day goes by that I have not counted my blessing for being alive,” Brinkley captioned the post.

“I know for a fact that tomorrow is not a guarantee and that each day is a gift and an opportunity to make sure that everybody we love knows it! ]]>💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛