A 64-year-old American woman became the first person to die in a Sarco suicide pod, located in a secluded Swiss forest near Merishausen close to the German border. Post-mortem examination in November 2024 revealed unexplained strangulation marks on her neck, raising concerns about the device’s operation despite its design for a swift, painless death via nitrogen gas that deprives the body of oxygen.
The Procedure and Alarming Events
The pod, developed by Dr. Philip Nitschke of Exit International and operated by The Last Resort, allows users to initiate the process with a button press from inside. Nitrogen gas induces unconsciousness followed by death within minutes.
Dr. Florian Willet, president of The Last Resort and the only person present, reported to authorities that the woman’s body convulsed severely 2.5 minutes after activation—a reaction he described as typical in nitrogen-induced deaths. At 6.5 minutes, the pod’s iPad emitted a loud alarm. While on a call with Dr. Nitschke, Willet stated, “She’s still alive, Philip.” The alarm ceased 30 minutes later, after which Willet confirmed, “She really looks dead.”
Investigation Raises Doubts
Investigators noted the pod was opened and closed multiple times beforehand to check its seal. A forensic expert testified to severe neck injuries. Two CCTV cameras recorded the event, with the interior camera activating twice around two minutes after initiation, though footage did not clearly reveal details.
Swiss Chief Prosecutor Peter Sticher suggested the death may not have unfolded as planned, hinting at possible “intentional homicide.” Dr. Willet faced 70 days in police custody but was never charged. Swiss law bans assisted suicide involving external interference or self-serving motives.
Dr. Willet’s Tragic Aftermath
Dr. Nitschke revealed that Willet endured profound psychological trauma from the arrest, leaving him “broken.” In January, Willet fell from a third-floor window and required psychiatric care. He died by assisted suicide on May 5, 2026.
