Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic dies at 22

Lucia Sisic, who was crowned Miss Austria in 2024, has died at the age of 22. She remains the last titleholder, since no new pageant has been held since her win.

The official cause of death has not been disclosed. Sisic had a heart valve defect since birth, which required seven surgeries over the years. Local media report that during a 2017 operation she suffered serious complications, needing to be resuscitated, which led to nerve damage in her left leg and arm. Her most recent heart surgery took place last December, after which she shared on Instagram that she was pleased with her recovery.

Her last social media post appeared on August 12, giving no indication that her death was imminent. She had previously thanked the team of pediatric cardiology specialists who treated her over the years. In an Instagram post from August 2024, she wrote that thanks to the dedication of doctors who repeatedly saved her life despite great effort, she had overcome many difficult moments and was able to live a full life.

Organization's response

Mission Austria, the organization behind the Miss Austria and Mister Austria pageants, expressed shock at her death. In a statement, executive director Kerstin Rieger and her husband Jörg said Lucia would be remembered as a wonderful young woman, offering deepest condolences to her family and loved ones and noting she would always remain part of the Miss Austria family.