Suicide pod activist Florian Willet takes his own life after 'trauma' of murder arrest

Dr Florian has taken his own life ‘with the help of a specialised organisation’ (Picture: Getty)

A man questioned for murder after the death of a woman using a ‘suicide pod’ has taken his own life.

Dr Florian Willet was arrested last September over the death of a 64-year-old woman.

She died in a Sarco pod in a forest near Merishausen,Switzerland,and was found inside with strangulation marks on her neck.

Willet,47,died last month but his death was only confirmed this week. He was the only person present for the woman’s death.

The woman was the first person to use the ‘suicide pod’,which kills the person inside with nitrogen gas.

Willet,who was a strong advocate for euthanasia,was the president of The Last Resort,which operates Sarco.

‘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.’

Dr Nitschke said Willet died last month with the help of a specialised organisation,having fallen from the third floor of his home in Zurich earlier this year which caused serious injuries.

He claimed Willet had developed psychosis brought on by the stress of being arrested and his time in custody.

Dr Nitschke added:  ‘No one was surprised.

Dr Philip Nitschke (R) pictured with Florian Willet (Picture: EPA)

‘Florian’s spirit was broken. He knew that he did nothing illegal or wrong,but his belief in the rule of law in Switzerland was in tatters.

‘In the final months of his life,Dr Florian Willet shouldered more than any man should.’

Need support?

For emotional support,you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123,email [email protected],visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year,24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141,text 88247 or email: [email protected].