Miss Austria Sisic dies at 22

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Reigning Miss Austria beauty queen Lucia Sisic has died at the age of 22 after living with a congenital heart condition.

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Mission Austria, the organisation behind the Miss Austria and Mister Austria beauty pageants, announced her death in a tribute posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

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“It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic,” the organisation said.

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No cause of death has been confirmed.

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Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and remained the reigning titleholder, as no subsequent contest has yet been held.

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In its tribute, translated from German, Mission Austria described Sisic as “a wonderful young woman” and extended its condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

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“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time,” the organisation said.

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The message, signed by Mission Austria CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband, Jörg, added that Sisic “will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family.”

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Sisic had been open about her health struggles and the impact of her condition on her life.

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In 2024, she shared a post on Instagram thanking the paediatric medical team that cared for her while she was growing up.

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“Thanks to the medical staff and the dedicated doctors, who time and again saved my life through their tremendous efforts, I have overcome many difficult moments and been able to lead a fulfilling life,” she wrote.

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The beauty queen underwent seven operations during her lifetime because of her heart condition.

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Speaking to Austrian outlet Heute in 2024, Sisic revealed that she underwent her first operation shortly after birth.

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She also recalled how her condition affected her childhood, saying she was often unable to participate in activities enjoyed by other children.

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“Sports weeks took place without me. My childhood was simply different, but it also made me strong,” she said.

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Herzkinder Österreich, an Austrian charity that supports children with heart conditions, also paid tribute to the late beauty queen.

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In a Facebook post, the organisation said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely death” of Sisic, adding that “at just 22 years old, she left us far too soon.”

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The charity described Sisic as a young woman who understood what it meant to grow up with a congenital heart defect, undergo surgeries and still pursue her dreams with courage and joy.

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“We will remember her as a warm-hearted, joyful, and impressive young woman – and as an adult child who wanted to give courage to others affected,” the organisation said.

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Sisic’s openness about her health challenges had also made her an inspiration to others living with congenital heart conditions. Her journey from undergoing multiple surgeries to becoming Miss Austria in 2024 was marked by her determination to live a fulfilling life despite her medical challenges.

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