Source : Perth Now news
An international beauty queen who was born with a heart valve defect has suddenly died at just 22.
Lucia Sisic, who was crowned Miss Austria in 2024, has been honoured as a “wonderful young woman” following her tragic death, with Mission Austria — the organisation behind the beauty competition — sharing a tribute on social media.
“It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic,” the statement read.
“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.
The post — which was signed by Mission Austria chief executive Kerstin Rigger and her husband Jörg — concluded: “Dear Lucia, you will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family. Rest in peace.”
Sisic had been open about her journey of living with a serious heart condition for which she had undergone seven surgeries, her most recent one happening in December, according to Die Presse.
During an operation in 2017, Sisic had to be resuscitated, which later led to nerve damage in her left leg and foot.
In August 2024, she thanked her paediatric cardiology team who “always saved my life with great efforts”.
“I have overcome many difficult moments and have been able to live a fulfilling life,” she said in a translated Instagram post.
“That I’ve mastered only a fraction of what’s still ahead of me. Still, I’m proud of not giving up even though there were many reasons to.
“I find it difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude, because a simple thank you is far from enough.
“With best wishes for your future, I am saying goodbye and starting a new chapter in my life in adult cardiology. Your work is invaluable, and I hope that you can continue to help as many people as effectively as I have.”
An official cause of death has not yet been publicly announced with no confirmation that her congenital condition was connected to her death.
The young Viennese woman remained the reigning Miss Austria at the time of her death as there has not been a national competition held since she won the title.
Sisic shared her final Instagram post on August 12, which featured several photos of her wearing a stunning gown with the caption: “Golden moments.”
