In a case that has raised questions worldwide, a 64-year-old woman in Switzerland reportedly used the “Suicide Pod,” also known as Sarco, to end her life. This controversial device, which promises a peaceful death at the press of a button, has become the center of a homicide investigation after authorities discovered unusual marks on the woman’s neck, initially thought to be signs of strangulation.
The first person to use a suicide pod in Switzerland was found with strangulation marks. The president of the company that makes the pod was arrested. He was the only person who was there when she died. Wtf? pic.twitter.com/S4RKDo79D4
— naomi (@lachancenaomi27) October 29, 2024
Sarco, marketed as a painless alternative to euthanasia, injects nitrogen gas into a sealed chamber, leading to fatal hypoxia, a state of oxygen deprivation. Dr. Florian Willet, head of the Swiss company operating the device, The Last Resort, was present when the woman activated the pod but claims he did not assist further. Despite this, Willet, along with other employees at the location, has been held in police custody for nearly five weeks as investigators probe possible foul play. Chief Prosecutor Peter Sticher revealed that forensic doctors identified significant neck injuries, leading to concerns about intentional harm. These findings have complicated the investigation, as the woman had a painful bone marrow infection known as skull base osteomyelitis, which could explain her neck injuries.
The woman’s health history has been central to the case. She had reportedly suffered from osteomyelitis for over two years, an infection worsened by an immune disorder that caused severe, debilitating pain. Her sons supported her decision to use Sarco, confirming she had long expressed a desire to end her life on her own terms.
Dr. Philip Nitschke, creator of ‘Suicide Pod’, stated that the device functioned as intended. He noted that the woman initiated the process herself, losing consciousness within two minutes and passing away shortly after. Reports indicate that minor muscle spasms occurred, which Nitschke attributes to involuntary movement rather than consciousness.
The case has ignited a global discussion on the ethics and oversight of euthanasia devices, with Sarco’s first use in Switzerland now under intense scrutiny as investigators continue to explore whether external factors played a role in the woman’s death.
