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

Mission Austria, which organises the Miss Austria and Mister Austria beauty pageants, announced her death on Monday, describing it as a moment of “great shock and deep sorrow”.

No cause of death has been confirmed.

Sisic was crowned Miss Austria in 2024 and remained the reigning titleholder because no subsequent contest has yet taken place.

In a tribute, Mission Austria said Sisic would be remembered as a “wonderful young woman” and offered its condolences to her family, friends and those close to her.

Sisic had previously spoken publicly about her heart condition and the medical treatment she received throughout her life.

In 2024, she thanked the doctors and medical staff who cared for her as a child, saying their efforts had helped her overcome many difficult moments.

Sisic underwent seven operations related to her condition during her lifetime. She told Austrian media that her first operation took place shortly after she was born.

She also described how her condition affected her childhood, saying she was unable to participate in activities such as school sports weeks.

Despite her health challenges, Sisic pursued her career and became Miss Austria in 2024.

Herzkinder Österreich, an Austrian charity supporting children with heart conditions, also paid tribute to her.

The organisation described her death as untimely and said she had left the world “far too soon” at just 22.

The charity remembered Sisic as a warm-hearted and joyful young woman who had shown courage while living with a congenital heart condition.

Mission Austria said Sisic would always remain part of the Miss Austria family. (BBC News)