Dr. Florian Willet, co-founder of the Swiss assisted dying organization The Last Resort, has died by suicide at the age of 47. His death comes months after a protracted legal battle and a 70-day detention related to the first reported use of the Sarco “suicide pod” in Switzerland.
Pioneer of Assisted Dying Technology
Dr. Willet was instrumental in developing the Sarco pod, a nitrogen-filled capsule designed to facilitate painless, self-administered euthanasia. Created in collaboration with Dr. Philip Nitschke of Exit International, the device aims to offer individuals a peaceful and autonomous end-of-life option. While assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland under specific conditions, the Sarco pod had not received official approval at the time of its first use.
Controversy Surrounding the First Use
In September 2024, a 64-year-old American woman with a severely compromised immune system became the first person to die using the Sarco pod. The event took place in a secluded forest cabin in Merishausen, northern Switzerland, with Dr. Willet present. Following her death, Swiss authorities arrested Dr. Willet on suspicion of “inciting and abetting suicide” and “intentional homicide,” after reports suggested the presence of strangulation marks on the woman’s neck. However, an autopsy report has not been detected.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
Dr. Willet was detained for 70 days before being released in December 2024. Prosecutors eventually dropped the homicide charge but maintained a strong suspicion of inciting and abetting suicide. The prolonged incarceration and ongoing legal scrutiny reportedly had a profound impact on Dr. Willet’s mental health.
Mental Health Decline and Death
Following his release, colleagues and friends observed a significant change in Dr. Willet’s demeanor. Dr. Philip Nitschke noted that Willet appeared deeply traumatized, stating, “Gone was his warm smile and self-confidence. In its place was a man who seemed deeply traumatised by the experience of incarceration and the wrongful accusation of strangulation.” On May 5, 2025, Dr. Willet died by suicide in Germany, reportedly with the assistance of another specialized organization. His death underscores the psychological toll that legal battles and public scrutiny can have on individuals involved in contentious ethical debates.
Ongoing Debates and Investigations
The case has reignited discussions about the ethics and legality of assisted dying methods like the Sarco pod. While The Last Resort defends its mission to provide dignified end-of-life options, other euthanasia advocacy groups have criticized the organization for its approach, arguing that it undermines the legitimacy of the assisted dying movement. Swiss prosecutors continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the American woman’s death and the involvement of Dr. Willet’s associates. The outcome of these investigations may have significant implications for the future of assisted dying practices and the use of technologies like the Sarco pod.
Conclusion
Dr. Florian Willet’s death marks a tragic chapter in the ongoing discourse surrounding assisted suicide. His contributions to the development of the Sarco pod and advocacy for end-of-life autonomy have left a lasting impact on the movement. However, his legal struggles and subsequent suicide highlight the complex interplay between innovation, ethics, and the law in the realm of assisted dying.
