VIENNA, AUSTRIA — The pageant world is mourning the sudden death of Miss Austria 2024 Lucia Sisic, who passed away at just 22 years old, according to Mission Austria, the organization behind the Miss and Mister Austria competitions.
Mission Austria announced Sisic’s death in a social-media tribute, expressing shock and deep sorrow over the loss of the young beauty queen.
The organization remembered Sisic as a “wonderful young woman” and extended its condolences to her family, friends and everyone who knew her.
Her official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Importantly, while Sisic had a long history of heart-related health problems, no official report has established that her congenital heart condition was connected to her death.
A life marked by a difficult heart condition
Sisic was born with a heart valve defect and had openly discussed her health journey throughout her life.
According to reports citing Austrian media, she underwent seven heart procedures, with her most recent surgery taking place during the winter of 2025. Despite the repeated medical challenges, Sisic remained determined to live fully and used her experience to encourage others rather than seek sympathy.
In an Instagram post in August 2024, Sisic expressed gratitude to the pediatric cardiology specialists who had treated her, crediting them with helping her overcome difficult periods and allowing her to live a fulfilling life.
Her health struggles had also shaped her childhood. In an interview cited by international reports, she described growing up differently because of physical restrictions but said those experiences ultimately made her stronger.
She remained Miss Austria until her death
Sisic won the Miss Austria crown in 2024 after first making her mark as Miss Vienna.
What made her case unusual was that she remained the reigning Miss Austria until her death. According to GMA News and Austrian media reports, no succeeding Miss Austria pageant was held in 2025 or 2026, leaving Sisic as the titleholder.
Reports also indicated that she had remained active on social media in the weeks before her death. Her final Instagram post, shared in August, featured photographs of her wearing a gold gown with the caption “Golden moments.”
A sudden loss at only 22
News of Sisic’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from people within Austria’s pageant community.
Christopher Dengg, who held the Mister Austria 2024 title alongside Sisic, described himself as deeply shocked by her death and remembered her as being like a sister during their time as titleholders.
Mission Austria likewise said Sisic would remain part of the Miss Austria family and offered condolences to those closest to her.
Her story was more than one of a beauty queen wearing a national crown. It was also the story of a young woman who faced major medical challenges from childhood, underwent multiple heart procedures and continued pursuing her dreams despite those obstacles.
At this time, the circumstances surrounding Lucia Sisic’s death remain undisclosed. Until her family or authorities provide additional information, reports linking her death directly to her heart condition should be treated as unconfirmed.
Lucia Sisic was 22.
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