Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic, who was born with a heart valve defect, has died at age 22.
The news of her death came just hours after the Miss America pageant concluded in West Palm Beach with Miss Texas Regan Hutsell winning the crown on Sunday, Sept. 6.
The cause of Sisic’s death is unknown.
"Healing," reads Sisic's Instagram bio. "See you later."
Mission Austria, which runs Mister and Miss Austria, announced the news in a tribute to the late pageant winner on its official Facebook page on Monday, Sept. 7.
"It is with great shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our Miss Austria 2024, Lucia Sisic," read the post, translated from German. "We will remember Lucia as a wonderful young woman. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences
go out to her family, friends, and all those close to her during this difficult time."
The message, signed by CEO Kerstin Rigger and her husband, Jörg, concluded: "Dear Lucia, you will always remain a part of our Miss Austria family. Rest in peace. 🕊️🖤 "
Here are 5 things to know about Miss Austria Lucia Sisic.
What health condition did Miss Austria Lucia Sisic have?
Sisic was reportedly born with a heart valve defect. She had seven heart surgeries. The most recent one happened last winter.
Sisic opened up about her health journey on her social media over the years, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post in August 2024 dedicated to her pediatric cardiology team as she prepared to move under adult cardiologists.
"I would like to express my gratitude. Thanks to the specialists and dedicated doctors who, through their immense efforts, have repeatedly saved my life," she wrote, translated from German.
"I have overcome many difficult moments and been able to lead a fulfilling life. I realize that I have mastered only a fraction of what still lies ahead of me. Nevertheless, I am proud that I never gave up, even though there were many reasons to do so. ❤️”
"It is difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude, as a simple 'thank you' falls far short of what is needed," Sisic continued.
"I bid you farewell with best wishes for the future as I begin a new chapter in adult cardiology. Your work is invaluable, and I hope you continue to help so many people as effectively as you have helped me."
What are people saying about Miss Austria Lucia Sisic’s death?
Miroslav Piplica, a family friend, wrote about Sisic on social media following her death.
“Lucija was a girl of exceptional beauty, but above all a young person whose smile, kindness and warmth left a mark in the hearts of people who knew her,” reads the Sept. 7 Facebook post, translated from Croatian. “With her beauty and personality, she won the title of Miss Vienna, and then in 2024 the year and the title of Miss Austria.”
“She was the pride of her parents, originating from our Posavina, and the whole Croatian community in Austria. Her successes were a reason for joy and pride, but what we will remember her most for is her humanity and cheerfulness.”
Mister Austria Christopher Dengg told local outlet Oe24 that he was “deeply shocked” by Sisic’s death.
"She was like a sister to me, especially during the time we held the office together,” Dengee told Oe24, translated from German. “We will all miss her very much.”
When did Lucia Sisic win Miss Austria?
Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and continues to hold the title, as there has not been another competition since, according to local outlets Die Presse, Oe24 and Kronen Zeitung.
Where was Miss Austria Lucia Sisic from?
Sisic lived in Vienna, Austria, and had Croatian and Bosnian roots, according to media reports.
When was the Miss America pageant?
The Miss America pageant took place in West Palm Beach from Aug. 28 to Sept 6. It brought 52 women together from each of the 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to compete for the crown.
It was the first time the Miss America pageant took place in South Florida.
The pageant featured talent, fitness and evening gown competitions and each contestant showcased community service initiatives. Miss Texas Regan Hutsell took home the crown and the Miss America title.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic dead at 22. What we know.
