Miss Austria, 22, dies unexpectedly just months after 'overjoyed' announcement

Miss Austria, 22, dies unexpectedly just months after 'overjoyed' announcement Lucia Sisic, 22, was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and had undergone seven heart procedures after being born with a heart valve defect. A 22-year-old beauty queen has died after a lifetime of health struggles which saw her undergo seven heart procedures. Lucia Sisic, from Vienna, was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and had previously spoken openly about the heart condition she was born with. Her most recent procedure was in winter 2025, after which she shared her joy at hoping she could finally have a break from further treatment. She wrote on Instagram : “I have now also got my seventh procedure behind me and I am overjoyed that I can now officially – hopefully for a few years – have a break.” She had revealed that she was revived during one procedure at the age of 13, later describing the experience as “touch and go”. Her condition also affected her childhood, with Lucia missing out on activities other children were able to take part in. Speaking about her experiences in a 2024 interview, Lucia said: “Sports weeks happened without me. “My childhood was simply different, but that also made me strong.” Lucia had previously said she did not want people’s pity and hoped sharing her health struggles could give others courage. Around three weeks before her death, Lucia had shared holiday pictures from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where her parents have roots in the Bosanska Posavina region. Tributes have since poured in, with family friend Miroslav Piplica writing: “Our Lucia has gone, much too soon and forever.” “But the memory of you will stay with us forever. “May God take you into his kingdom and give your parents and family the strength to bear this immeasurable pain. Rest in God’s peace, our dear angel.” Mister Austria Christopher Dengg said: “I am deeply shocked. “She was like a sister to me, especially in the time when we held office together. “She will be greatly missed by all of us.” Mission Austria, which runs the Miss Austria contest, said it had learned of Lucia’s death with “deep sorrow”. A spokesperson said: “Lucia will remain in our memory as a wonderful young woman. “You will always be part of our Miss Austria family. Rest in peace.” The Croatian cultural community in Austria also paid tribute to Lucia, describing her as a source of pride to her parents and the wider Croatian community. The circumstances surrounding Lucia’s death have not been disclosed, and no funeral details have yet been released.