The reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic has died at the age of 22.
Mission Austria, which runs Mister and Miss Austria, announced the news in a tribute to the late pageant winner on its official Facebook page Monday, Sept. 7.
The news of Sisic's death came hours after the Miss America pageant concluded in West Palm Beach with Miss Texas Regan Hutsell winning the crown on Sunday, Sept. 6.
"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. 🕊️🖤 "
Sisic's cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Who was Miss Austria Lucia Sisic?
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. They further report Sisic was born with a heart valve defect and had undergone seven heart surgeries, with the recent being 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."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miss Austria Lucia Sisic dies at 22, hours after Miss America pageant
