Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic has died at the age of 22, as confirmed by national pageant organizers. Sisic, who held the crown since 2024, lived openly with a congenital heart valve defect and underwent multiple surgeries throughout her life. Officials have not yet publicly announced an official cause of death.
Mission Austria Confirms Sudden Passing of 22-Year-Old Titleholder
Mission Austria, which runs both the Miss and Mister Austria competitions, shared the news in a public social media tribute on Monday, September 7, 2026.
“It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic. 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.”
Mission Austria
The tribute was signed by Mission Austria CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband, Jörg.
An official cause of death has not been publicly revealed. While Sisic had a well-documented history of congenital health struggles, it has been noted that there has been no confirmation connecting her lifelong condition to her passing.
Rise Through the Pageant Ranks and Reign in Vienna
Sisic, a native of Vienna, rose through Austria’s national pageant scene in 2024. She won the title of Miss Vienna in January 2024 before capturing the national crown later that year. Because the organization did not hold another national competition following her victory, Sisic remained the reigning Miss Austria at the time of her death.
Lifelong Medical Journey and Advocacy for Others
Beyond her title, Sisic used her public platform to speak candidly about growing up with a congenital heart valve defect that required ongoing medical intervention starting shortly after birth.
One serious operation in 2017 required her to be resuscitated, leaving her with nerve damage in her left leg and foot that forced her to learn to walk again. In an interview with Heute, Sisic reflected on how physical restrictions shaped her early years: My childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong
. She emphasized that sharing her story was intended to encourage others rather than solicit sympathy, stating, I don’t want pity, I want to encourage others!
.
Gratitude to Medical Teams and Final Social Media Moments
As she transitioned from pediatric care to adult cardiology, Sisic shared heartfelt messages of gratitude online.
“I would like to express my gratitude. Thanks to the specialists and dedicated doctors who, through their immense efforts, have repeatedly saved my life, I have overcome many difficult moments and been able to lead a fulfilling life. I realize that I have mastered only a fraction of what still lies ahead of me. Nevertheless, I am proud that I never gave up, even though there were many reasons to do so. ❤️”
Lucia Sisic
She underwent her seventh procedure in late 2025, telling followers afterward that she hoped to secure a break from medical procedures. In the weeks leading up to her passing, Sisic remained active on social media, sharing travel photographs and posting a final gallery on August 12 featuring images of herself in a gold gown with the caption Golden moments
.
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