Euthanasia Campaigner Linked to Sarco Pod Incident Dies
A prominent pro-euthanasia activist, who was arrested following the first reported use of the controversial Sarco ‘suicide pod’, has died by assisted suicide in Germany. Dr. Florian Willet, 47, reportedly passed away on May 5th, following a period of significant psychological and physical distress.
His death comes after he was held in pre-trial detention last year in Switzerland in connection with the death of a 64-year-old American woman who used the Sarco device in a Swiss forest in September 2023.
Trauma Following Arrest and Detention
Dr. Willet was reportedly the only other person present when the woman used the pod. Swiss authorities subsequently arrested “several persons,” including Dr. Willet, on suspicion of inciting and aiding and abetting suicide. While police investigated allegations of intentional homicide, he was ultimately not charged with this specific crime and was released after 70 days in custody.
However, the experience of arrest and detention reportedly left Dr. Willet deeply traumatized. Philip Nitschke, the inventor of the Sarco pod and head of Exit International, stated that Dr. Willet was a “changed man” after his release, having lost his “warm smile and self-confidence.” A friend corroborated this, describing him as transforming from a “friendly, positive man” into an “anxious, suspicious person” who became increasingly distant.
The Last Resort, an assisted dying organization Dr. Willet founded, also stated the arrest had left him “broken.” They reported that in the months prior to his death, he fell from a third-floor window, an incident requiring surgery and care by a full psychiatric team, further indicating the severe toll the events of the past year had taken.
The Controversial Sarco Pod
The Sarco device, manufactured by a company of the same name and promoted by advocates like Dr. Willet, is designed to offer an assisted dying option without the need for drugs or direct medical involvement. The pod is a sealed chamber that floods the interior with nitrogen gas, rapidly depleting oxygen levels and intended to cause unconsciousness and death within minutes. It reportedly features an interactive prompt asking the user to confirm their intent.
Proponents argue that the portable, 3D-printable device provides an alternative method and expands access to assisted dying. However, the pod has faced considerable opposition. Critics worry its modern design could inadvertently “glamorise suicide,” and the lack of direct medical oversight in its operation is a significant concern. It’s worth noting that Swiss officials have reportedly stated the Sarco pod itself has not received approval for use in the country, despite the incident occurring there.
Assisted Dying: A Complex Legal Landscape
Assisted dying remains a contentious issue globally. While illegal in the UK and most European countries, it is legally protected under specific, strictly regulated circumstances in Switzerland. Swiss law permits individuals to end their lives provided they administer the fatal means themselves and helpers do not act out of self-serving motives. This legal framework has historically made Switzerland a destination for individuals from other countries seeking to end their lives with assistance.
Dr. Willet’s death underscores the profound personal impact that involvement in this complex and legally challenging field can have, particularly when combined with legal proceedings and public scrutiny.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4grlqv76pno
- https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/europe/suicide-pod-activist-euthanasia-sarco-b2762514.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8144v9pveo
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4grlqv76pno
- https://nypost.com/2025/06/03/world-news/euthanasia-campaigner-florian-willet-arrested-over-first-sarco-suicide-pod-death-has-now-taken-his-own-life/
