Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died at age 22, two years after winning the country’s national beauty title.
Mission Austria, the organization behind the Miss and Mister Austria competitions, confirmed her death in a social media tribute. The organization said it learned of Sisic’s passing with “great shock and deep sorrow” and remembered her as a wonderful young woman.
Its message extended condolences to her family, friends and everyone close to her, adding that Sisic would always remain part of the Miss Austria family.
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Austrian media reporting on her death has not identified a specific medical event responsible for her passing.
She Won the National Crown in 2024
Sisic entered 2024 as Miss Vienna before going on to win the Miss Austria title during Vienna Fashion Week that September.
The national final was held as part of the 16th Vienna Fashion Week, where Sisic and Christopher Dengg were named Miss Austria and Mister Austria respectively.
At the time, Sisic was 20 and studying to become a teacher. She also spoke publicly about supporting people living with heart conditions, drawing on experiences from her own childhood.
No subsequent Miss Austria competition was held after her victory. That meant Sisic continued to hold the national crown through 2025 and into 2026, remaining the reigning Miss Austria at the time of her death.
Her death therefore came almost exactly two years after one of the biggest moments of her public life.
A Heart Condition She Had Since Birth
Sisic had openly discussed being born with a heart valve defect and the medical challenges that followed.
According to Austrian reports, she underwent seven heart procedures during her life. One particularly difficult operation in 2017 reportedly required her to be resuscitated. She later experienced nerve damage affecting her left leg and foot and had to learn to walk properly again.
Her seventh procedure took place during the winter before her death. Afterward, Sisic shared an optimistic update with followers, expressing relief that the procedure had gone well and hoping she would not need another intervention for several years.
However, there is currently no confirmed connection between those procedures and her death. Her medical history should not be treated as her cause of death unless her family or another authoritative source provides that information.
Sisic had spoken about her health experiences as a way of encouraging children and others facing similar challenges. In a 2024 interview, she explained that her childhood had been different because of her condition but said those experiences had also made her stronger.
Tributes Follow News of Her Death
People from Austria’s pageant community have shared condolences following the announcement.
Christopher Dengg, who won Mister Austria alongside Sisic in 2024, remembered her warmly. Speaking to Austrian media, he described their relationship during their first year as titleholders as being like that of a brother and sister.
Mission Austria also emphasized Sisic’s personality rather than only her achievements, remembering her warmth and the impression she left on those around her.
Family friend Miroslav Piplica shared his own tribute on Facebook, remembering Sisic for her smile, kindness and warmth and saying that she had died far too young.
Sisic had remained visible on social media shortly before her death. Austrian media reported that her final Instagram post was published on August 12.
For now, one of the most important details remains unknown: Mission Austria and the outlets reporting her death have not announced an official cause of death.
What is confirmed is that Lucia Sisic won Miss Austria in September 2024, continued to hold the crown because no successor had been selected, and died at just 22 years old nearly two years after winning the national title.
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