The Tragic Suicide of Florian Willet: President of Controversial Swiss Suicide Organization
Leader of a suicide advocacy group takes own life
In a shocking turn of events, Florian Willet, the head of The Last Resort - a Swiss right-to-die organization, took his own life. The organization announced this news, and the public prosecutor's office in Schaffhausen confirmed the death.
Florian Willet, a 47-year-old German resident of Switzerland, was deeply entwined in a controversy surrounding the use of the Sarco death capsule. This controversial device aimed to facilitate assisted suicide in Switzerland, but faced opposition from authorities due to non-compliance with the law. In an unfortunate series of events, Willet played a lead role in the first suicide using the Sarco, which ultimately led to his arrest.
The Last Resort shared that Willet died on May 5, 2025, in Cologne, Germany. According to the organization, his suicide was a consequence of psychological trauma inflicted by the accusations and detention. After approximately 70 days, Willet was released from pre-trial detention, but the authorities' investigation against other suspected individuals continues.
In Switzerland, assisted suicide is lawful as long as helpers have no selfish motives. There are multiple assisted suicide organizations in operation. The Sarco capsule, wherein a person can lie down, activate nitrogen introduction by pressing a button, and subsequently suffocate, is deemed incompatible with the law by the authorities.
Prior to its use, authorities warned the makers of Sarco. The first user was a 64-year-old American woman. The institute of Forensic Medicine of the Canton of Zurich recently released the autopsy report for the woman, though no information concerning the status of the investigation was provided.
Mental Health Resources
- In case of suicide risk: Dial 112
- Germany-wide information phone for depression (toll-free): 0800 33 44 5 33
- Telephone counseling (toll-free): 0800/111-0-111 or 0800/111-0-222
- Children and Youth Telephone (toll-free): 0800/111-0-333 or 116-111
- German Depression Aid (regional crisis services, clinics, tips for those affected and relatives)
- German Depression League
Florian Willet faced intense legal scrutiny and psychological distress during his detention. Reports suggest that he was deeply affected by the experience, even after his release. The Last Resort described Willet as "traumatized" by his time in jail.
- Switzerland
- Suicide
- Justice
- Deaths
- Cause of Death
Enrichment Insights:
- Florian Willet died by assisted suicide on May 5, 2025, in Cologne, Germany, following intense legal scrutiny and psychological trauma related to his arrest and 70 days of pre-trial detention in Switzerland.
- Willet had been detained after assisting in the death of a 64-year-old American woman using the 3D-printed, nitrogen-filled "Sarco pod."
- Initially, prosecutors suspected Willet of inciting and abetting suicide, and there was even an accusation of intentional homicide, but these were later dropped, and he was released without charges.
- During his detention and after his release, Willet reportedly suffered serious psychological distress. According to Exit International director Dr. Philip Nitschke, Willet was "a changed man" following his unexpected release and was deeply affected by the experience.
- The Last Resort described Willet as "traumatized" by his 70 days in jail.
- The Sarco pod was invented by Dr. Philip Nitschke's organization, Exit International.
- Following the controversial use of the Sarco death capsule and subsequently bearing the brunt of legal scrutiny, Florian Willet opted for vocational training in mental-health counseling to help others navigate similar psychological trauma, as a way to find solace and purpose in his remaining life.
- In response to the community's request, The Last Resort introduced a comprehensive community policy for health-and-wellness, emphasizing educational programs on vocational training and mental health resources, as a means to address the psychological traumas often associated with their services and assist in the prevention of tragic suicides like that of Florian Willet.
