Model, one sure to drop dead, refused ecstasy (7)
I believe the answer is:
paragon
'model' is the definition.
(a paragon is a model example of something)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for paragon that I've seen before include "Exemplar" , "A model as of virtue" , "An ideal" , "Role model" , "Perfect embodiment of a concept" .)