Reigning Miss Austria beauty queen dies aged 22
Tributes have been paid to Lucia Sisic, who had a lifelong experience with a heart condition.
Reigning Miss Austria beauty queen dies aged 22
Lucia Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and still held the title
Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria beauty queen, has died at 22 after living with a heart condition throughout her life.
Mission Austria, the organisation behind the Miss Austria and Mister Austria pageants, announced the news in a Facebook tribute on Monday, saying: "It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic."
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Sisic won the Miss Austria crown in 2024 and remained the current titleholder because no new competition has yet taken place.
In its Facebook message, translated from German, Mission Austria said: "We will remember Lucia as a wonderful young woman.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time."
The statement, signed by Mission Austria CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband Jörg, said Sisic "will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family".
Sisic had spoken publicly about her health as a public figure. In 2024, she posted on Instagram to thank the paediatric medical team who cared for her when she was younger.
"Thanks to the medical staff and the dedicated doctors - who time and again saved my life through their tremendous efforts - I have overcome many difficult moments and been able to lead a fulfilling life," she wrote then.
Lucia Sisic underwent seven operations during her life in relation to her condition
In an interview with Austrian outlet Heute in 2024, the Miss Austria winner said her first operation took place immediately after birth.
She also described the effect her health had on her childhood.
"Sports weeks took place without me. My childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong," she said.
Herzkinder Österreich, an Austrian charity that supports children with heart conditions, also paid tribute to Sisic.
In a Facebook post, the organisation said it was "deeply saddened by the untimely death" of Sisic, adding "at just 22 years old, she left us far too soon".
The tribute says: "Lucia herself was a true child at heart. A young woman who knew what it meant to grow up with a congenital heart defect, to endure surgeries, and still to pursue her own path with courage and joy.
"We will remember her as a warm-hearted, joyful, and impressive young woman – and as an adult child who wanted to give courage to others affected."