Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic has died unexpectedly at the age of 22, her family and friends confirmed. Sisic, from Vienna, was the country's titleholder at the time of her death.
Sisic had lived with a heart valve condition since birth and had undergone seven heart surgeries, according to local reports. Her exact cause of death remains unknown.
She had spoken openly about how her condition impacted her life, stating in a 2024 interview that while her "childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong." Following her coronation as Miss Austria in 2024, Sisic expressed gratitude to the cardiology team that had provided her care.
"Thanks to the specialists and dedicated doctors who—through their tremendous efforts—have repeatedly saved my life, I have overcome many difficult moments and been able to lead a fulfilling life," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I realise that I have mastered only a fraction of what still lies ahead of me. Nevertheless, I am proud not to have given up, even though there were many reasons to do so. It is difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude, as a simple "thank you" falls far short of what is needed."
Tributes have been shared on social media, with friends describing her as a "young woman whose smile, kindness, and warmth touched the hearts of those who knew her." One friend wrote on Facebook, "Dear Lucia, you left us far too soon, but your memory will remain with us forever. May God welcome you into his kingdom and grant your parents and family the strength to bear this immeasurable pain."
The Miss Austria pageant organizers also issued a statement, remembering Sisic as a "wonderful young woman." "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time," the statement read. "Dear Lucia, you will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family."
