What happened to Lucia Sisic? Reigning Miss Austria dies at 22

Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died at the age of 22 due to a chronic heart condition.

Sisic, who was crowned Miss Austria in 2024, had been open about her health struggles. She was born with a congenital heart valve defect and had undergone seven surgeries throughout her life, with her most recent procedure taking place this past winter.

The organisation that oversees the Miss and Mister Austria competitions shared the statement: “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.”

In August 2024, she posted on Instagram post, thanking her pediatric cardiology specialist at Vienna General Hospital who had treated her.

“Thanks to the specialists and the dedicated doctors, who have always saved my life with great efforts, I have overcome many difficult moments and have been able to live a fulfilling life.”

Since there was no Miss Austria pageant in 2025 and 2026 due to a lack of sponsors, Sisic was still retaining the Miss Austria title.

Her last post on Instagram was on August 12 where she posted some pictures of herself wearing a golden dress with the caption “Golden moments.”

No cause of death has been announced. An investigation may have to be conducted to determine the facts about her death.

Sisic left behind her family members, including her parents and her brother. Kerstin Rigger, who is the CEO of Mission Austria, along with her husband Jörg, signed off the message with “Dear Lucia, you will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family. Rest in peace.”