Lucia Sisic, who was crowned Miss Austria in 2024, has died at the age of 22 after years of living with a congenital heart condition.
Mission Austria, the organisation responsible for the Miss Austria and Mister Austria beauty pageants, announced her death in a tribute shared on Facebook on Tuesday.
“It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic,” the organisation said.
The organisation did not disclose an official cause of death.
Sisic remained the reigning Miss Austria because a new edition of the competition had not yet been held since her 2024 coronation.
In its tribute, Mission Austria described her as “a wonderful young woman” and expressed sympathy with her family, friends and other loved ones.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time,” the organisation said.
The message, signed by Mission Austria CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband, Jörg, added that Sisic “will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family.”
The late beauty queen had previously spoken publicly about the health challenges she faced from childhood as a result of her heart condition.
In a 2024 Instagram post, Sisic expressed appreciation to the paediatric medical professionals who treated her while she was growing up.
“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.
Sisic underwent seven surgeries throughout her lifetime because of the congenital heart condition. She had her first operation shortly after she was born.
Speaking to Austrian media outlet Heute in 2024, she reflected on how her condition shaped her childhood and prevented her from taking part in some activities alongside other children.
“Sports weeks took place without me. My childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong,” she said.
Herzkinder Österreich, a charity dedicated to supporting children living with heart conditions, also mourned Sisic’s death.
In a Facebook tribute, the organisation said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely death” of the former beauty queen and noted that “at just 22 years old, she left us far too soon.”
The charity praised Sisic for her courage in dealing with surgeries and the challenges associated with a congenital heart defect while continuing to pursue her ambitions.
It said she understood the experiences of children growing up with heart conditions and sought to encourage others facing similar challenges.
“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,” the organisation said.
Sisic’s story, from undergoing multiple heart surgeries to becoming Miss Austria, had made her an inspiration to many people living with congenital heart conditions.
Her openness about her health struggles and determination to live a fulfilling life remained a defining part of her legacy.
