First Death in Swiss ‘Suicide Pod’ Raises Questions About Safety

The first recorded death involving a “suicide pod” in a Swiss forest has raised serious concerns following the discovery of unexplained strangulation marks on the deceased woman’s neck. The 64-year-old American, who died in November 2024, was using a device called the Sacro pod, which is designed to facilitate a painless death through nitrogen gas inhalation.

The circumstances surrounding her death are now the focus of investigation. According to a report by the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, a post-mortem examination revealed strangulation marks that have led to speculation about what transpired during the procedure. Dr. Florian Willet, president of The Last Resort, the organization responsible for the pods, informed police that the woman’s body showed signs of cramping approximately two and a half minutes into the process. He noted that this reaction is typical in cases involving nitrogen.

The events became increasingly concerning when, six and a half minutes after initiating the procedure, the pod’s internal iPad emitted a loud alarm. During a call with Dr. Philip Nitschke, founder of Exit International, Dr. Willet reported, “she’s still alive, Philip.” The alarm continued for 30 minutes before Dr. Willet ultimately confirmed, “she really looks dead.” At the time, Dr. Willet was the only person present and later spent 70 days in police custody following the incident.

Investigation and Legal Implications

The pod was found in a remote area near a cabin in Merishausen, a locality close to the German border. Designed to allow users to choose a peaceful death, the Sacro pod operates by flooding the lungs with nitrogen gas, causing the individual to lose consciousness and subsequently pass away due to oxygen deprivation. The Swiss Chief Prosecutor, Peter Sticher, indicated that the woman’s death may not have followed the intended protocol, suggesting the possibility of “intentional homicide.” Nevertheless, Dr. Willet has not faced any charges related to the incident.

Forensic examinations revealed that the pod had been opened and closed multiple times prior to the procedure, ensuring its seal was intact. A forensic expert testified in court that the woman exhibited severe injuries to her neck. Surveillance footage from two cameras captured parts of the incident, although the clarity of the recordings did not provide definitive answers about what occurred.

Dr. Nitschke has expressed concern over Dr. Willet’s mental well-being following his arrest, stating that the psychological trauma he experienced left him “broken.” Tragically, Dr. Willet died by assisted suicide on 5 May 2024, after falling from a third-floor window in January.

Public Concerns and Support Resources

The operation of assisted suicide in Switzerland is tightly regulated. The law prohibits assisted suicide if external assistance is involved or if those assisting have any self-serving motives. Given the nature of this case, the incident has intensified discussions about the safety and ethical implications of using such devices for assisted dying.

For those in need of support, The Samaritans offer confidential help 24/7. Individuals can reach out by calling 116 123, sending an email to [email protected], or visiting their website to locate the nearest branch. Support is available, and every individual matters.