Euthanasia Advocate Dr. Florian Willet Passes Away After Legal Struggles

Dr. Florian Willet, a pro-euthanasia activist arrested after a woman's death involving a 'suicide pod,' has died by assisted suicide in Germany. His struggles with psychological trauma following his arrest are highlighted by Philip Nitschke, the pod's inventor.

 

In a tragic turn of events, Dr. Florian Willet, a prominent advocate for euthanasia, has passed away after enduring significant legal and emotional turmoil. The 47-year-old's association with the world's first so-called 'suicide pod' placed him at the center of a controversial investigation following the suicide of a 64-year-old American woman in Switzerland last September. Dr. Willet was reportedly the only other individual present at the scene, which led to his arrest and a prolonged period of pre-trial detention.

Philip Nitschke, the inventor of the device, confirmed Dr. Willet's death by assisted suicide in Germany, stating that the emotional strain from his legal issues took a severe toll on him. In a statement, Nitschke emphasized that Dr. Willet experienced profound psychological trauma due to the events surrounding his arrest, expressing sorrow for the burden he carried in his final months.

The Last Resort, an assisted dying organization that Dr. Willet founded to promote the use of the suicide pod, declared that the arrest left him “broken.” He was held in custody for 70 days while authorities probed whether he had intentionally contributed to the woman's death, although he was never charged with such a crime. Just before his passing on May 5, Dr. Willet suffered a fall from a third-floor window, necessitating surgery and specialized psychiatric care.

Despite the legal protections afforded to assisted dying in certain scenarios in Switzerland, the pod has met with criticism. Proponents argue that the device, produced by Sarco, presents a non-drug-based avenue for assisted dying independent of medical professionals, potentially broadening access. However, detractors warn that its modern aesthetic may romanticize suicide and express concern over the lack of medical oversight.

While assisted dying remains illegal in the UK and most European countries, many individuals have traveled to Switzerland for this option over the years. As the community reflects on Dr. Willet’s life and the implications of his work, BBC News has reached out to the Swiss prosecutor's office for further comments regarding the ongoing impact of this incident.