Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic dead at just 22: ‘Wonderful young woman’

Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic has died, according to officials. She was just 22.

“It is with great shock and deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic,” the Mission Austria organization, which runs the Miss and Mister Austria competitions, said in a social media post Monday.

Sisic held the crown because there had not been a competition since she won in 2024, Austrian newspaper Die Presse noted.

An official cause of death has not been revealed, but Sisic has been open about her health struggles, having been born with a heart valve defect that required her to undergo several surgeries during her life.

Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, died unexpectedly at the age of 22. JamPress

“Lucia will be remembered as a wonderful young woman. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time,” said the post, signed by Mission Austria CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband Jörg.

Christopher Dengg, who was “Mister Austria 2024,” told local outlet Oe24 that he was “deeply shocked” by Sisic’s sudden passing.

“She was like a sister to me, especially during the time we held the [title] together. We will all miss her very much,” Denng said.

Sisic had undergone seven surgeries throughout her young life due to her heart condition, according to Kronen Zeitung.

Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024. JamPress

In 2024, she thanked a team of pediatric cardiology specialists on social media, writing in an August 2024 Instagram post.

“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,” she wrote in the caption.