The reigning Miss Austria has died unexpectedly aged just 22 after undergoing seven heart operations during her short life.
Lucia Sisic, from Vienna, was born with a heart valve defect and had spoken openly about her health struggles.
Her final operation was in winter 2025, after which she shared her joy at hoping to finally have a break from procedures, as reported by Need To Know.
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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.”
Lucia’s death was announced as sudden, with devastated loved ones saying she had gone far too soon.
The beauty queen had undergone seven heart operations during her life and had to be revived during one procedure when she was just 13.
She later described the terrifying ordeal as touch and go.
Speaking about how her condition affected her childhood in a 2024 interview, Lucia recalled: “Sports weeks happened without me.
“My childhood was simply different, but that also made me strong.”
She said she did not want people’s pity and instead hoped to give others courage.
Lucia was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and remained the reigning titleholder because no subsequent contest was staged.
Around three weeks before her death, she had shared holiday pictures from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where her parents have roots in the Bosanska Posavina region.
Tributes have now poured in for the 22 year old.
Family friend Miroslav Piplica wrote: “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 her death with deep sorrow.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “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, using the spelling Lucija Šišić.
She was described as a source of pride to both her parents and the Croatian community.
The exact cause of Lucia’s death has not been made public.
No funeral details have yet been released.
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