Reigning Miss Austria Lucia Sisic Passes Away Unexpectedly at Age 22

Sisic was reportedly revived during one of her heart procedures at age 13, an experience she later described as a “touch and go” ordeal.
After her seventh procedure in winter 2025, Sisic wrote that she was “overjoyed” to have completed it and hoped to have a break from further operations for several years.
Sisic had shared holiday photographs from Bosnia and Herzegovina roughly three weeks before her death; her parents had roots in the Bosanska Posavina region.
The Croatian community in Austria also mourned Sisic, describing her as a source of pride for both her family and the community.
In an August 2024 post, Sisic thanked pediatric cardiology specialists and doctors, saying their efforts had helped her overcome difficult moments and live a fulfilling life.
Lucia Sisic, the reigning Miss Austria, has died unexpectedly at age 22, Mission Austria announced. Sisic was born with a heart valve defect and underwent seven heart surgeries throughout her life, including a recent operation in winter 2025. No official cause of death has been disclosed, but she had spoken openly about her medical struggles, saying they made her stronger and hoping to inspire others.
The pageant queen retained her 2024 title because no subsequent competition was held. Friends and fellow pageant participants, including Mister Austria Christopher Dengg, mourned her sudden death. Dengg described Sisic as like a sister. The Croatian community in Austria also expressed grief, celebrating her as a source of pride for both her family and the wider community.
Sisic battled a congenital heart condition from birth, enduring seven procedures by age 22. At age 13, during one operation, she was revived in a moment she later called "touch and go." Despite these challenges, she refused to seek pity. In August 2024, she publicly thanked her pediatric cardiology team, crediting them with helping her "overcome difficult moments and live a fulfilling life."
After undergoing her seventh heart surgery in winter 2025, Sisic expressed optimism about her future. She wrote that she was "overjoyed" to have completed the procedure and hoped for a break from operations for several years. Yahoo News Canada reported this hopeful message she shared online, showing her determination to move forward and enjoy life beyond medical treatments.
Sisic's family had roots in Bosanska Posavina, a region in Bosnia and Herzegovina. About three weeks before her death, she shared holiday photographs from the country, connecting with her heritage. Her openness about both her medical journey and cultural background made her a symbol of resilience for her community and a source of pride for Croatians living in Austria.
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