Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died aged 22, according to Mission Austria, the organisation that runs the Miss Austria and Mister Austria pageants.
Mission Austria announced her death in a Facebook tribute, saying it had learned of the passing of Miss Austria 2024 “with great shock and deep sorrow”. The message was signed by Mission Austria chief executive Kerstin Rigger and her husband, Jörg.
Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and remained the titleholder because no subsequent contest had been held. The organisation said it would remember her as “a wonderful young woman” and offered condolences to her family, friends and others close to her.
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Sisic had spoken publicly about living with a congenital heart condition. She said her first operation took place shortly after her birth and that she underwent seven operations during her life.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Sisic thanked the medical staff and doctors who had treated her, saying their efforts had helped her overcome difficult moments and lead a fulfilling life. She also told Austrian outlet Heute that her condition had affected her childhood, including preventing her from taking part in school sports weeks.
Herzkinder Österreich, an Austrian charity supporting children with heart conditions, also paid tribute. The organisation described Sisic’s death as untimely and said she had pursued her own path with courage and joy despite growing up with a congenital heart defect and undergoing surgeries.
It said Sisic would be remembered as a warm-hearted and joyful young woman who wanted to encourage others affected by similar conditions.