Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria who openly shared her lifelong experience with a congenital heart condition, has died at age 22. Mission Austria, the organization behind the Miss and Mister Austria competitions, confirmed Sisic's death in a social media tribute.
The organization said it learned of her passing with "great shock and deep sorrow" and remembered the young titleholder for the person she was beyond the crown. "We will remember Lucia as a wonderful young woman," Mission Austria said in a translated statement.
© Getty ImagesThe organization, in a message signed by CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband Jörg, also expressed condolences to Sisic's family, friends and loved ones before adding, "Dear Lucia, you will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family. Rest in peace."
An official cause of death has not been publicly announced. Although Sisic had a well-documented history of heart problems, there has been no confirmation that her congenital condition was connected to her death.
Who Was Miss Austria Lucia Sisic?
Sisic, who was from Vienna, rose through Austria's pageant scene in 2024. She was named Miss Vienna in January before going on to win Miss Austria later that year.
She remained the reigning Miss Austria at the time of her death because another national competition had not been held following her 2024 victory.
Her time as a titleholder was only one part of her public story. Sisic also spoke candidly about living with a heart valve defect from birth and the medical challenges that shaped her childhood and teenage years.
She underwent seven heart procedures during her life, according to multiple Austrian reports. One particularly serious operation in 2017 resulted in Sisic needing to be resuscitated. She later experienced nerve damage affecting her left leg and foot and had to learn to walk again.
Rather than keeping that part of her life private, Sisic used her experience to encourage others dealing with health challenges.
© Lucia SisicIn a 2024 interview with Heute, she reflected on growing up with physical restrictions, saying, "My childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong."
She was also clear that sharing her health story was not about seeking sympathy. According to a later report recalling the interview, Sisic said, "I don't want pity, I want to encourage others!"
© Getty ImagesLucia Sisic Underwent Seven Heart Procedures
Sisic's congenital heart valve defect required medical treatment beginning shortly after her birth.
Her seventh procedure took place in late 2025. Afterward, she shared her relief with followers on Instagram and expressed hope that she could finally enjoy a significant break from medical procedures. "I have now also got my seventh procedure behind me," Sisic wrote in a translated post, adding that she hoped to have "a break" for several years.
© Lucia SisicThe year before, she had publicly thanked the medical professionals who treated her throughout her life. Sisic credited specialists and doctors with helping her survive difficult periods and said their work allowed her to live a fulfilling life.
Lucia Sisic Shared ‘Golden Moments’ Weeks Before Her Death
Sisic remained active on social media in the weeks before her passing. Her final Instagram post was shared on Aug. 12 and featured photographs of Sisic wearing a gold gown. Her short caption read, "Golden moments."
Other recent posts showed her traveling, including photographs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where her family had roots.
