Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic has died at the age of 22, Mission Austria, the organisation behind the country’s Miss and Mister Austria pageants, has announced.
The exact cause of her death has not been made public, although Sisic had lived since birth with a congenital heart condition and underwent several operations during her life.
Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and remained the reigning titleholder because no subsequent edition of the national pageant had been held. She had previously won the Miss Vienna title before securing the national crown.
Mission Austria described her as a “wonderful young woman” while expressing condolences to her family, friends and others close to her. The organisation said Sisic would remain part of the Miss Austria family.
Sisic had spoken publicly about growing up with a congenital heart valve defect. She underwent seven heart procedures during her life, beginning shortly after birth, and had credited doctors and medical staff with helping her overcome repeated health challenges.
Herzkinder Österreich, an organisation supporting children and families affected by congenital heart conditions, also paid tribute to Sisic, remembering her as someone who understood the challenges of growing up with a heart defect and sought to encourage others facing similar circumstances.
Sisic’s death has prompted tributes in Austria and beyond. Despite her known medical history, no official cause of death had been announced as of Wednesday, and her heart condition should not be presented as the confirmed cause without further information.
