**Euthanasia Advocate Dies Following Legal Troubles Linked to Controversial Device**

**Dr. Florian Willet, an outspoken proponent of euthanasia, has died in Germany following psychological trauma from his arrest related to a controversial assisted dying device.**

In a tragic development, Dr. Florian Willet, a fierce advocate for euthanasia, has passed away in Germany while seeking assisted suicide. The 47-year-old was previously arrested in connection with the death of a 64-year-old American woman who used a so-called suicide pod in a Swiss forest last September. According to Philip Nitschke, the pod’s inventor, Dr. Willet's death was a consequence of severe psychological distress stemming from his arrest and prolonged detention.

Nitschke expressed his condolences, explaining that Dr. Willet had not only faced legal challenges but had also dealt with immense personal trauma throughout the investigation, which lasted 70 days without any formal charges being levied against him. Following his arrest, eyewitness reports indicated that he fell from a third-floor window, requiring extensive medical care, including psychiatric support.

Founded by Dr. Willet, The Last Resort is an organization that advocated for the use of the suicide pod, which was designed as a means for assisted dying without medical intervention. Although some view this innovative approach as a progressive step towards expanding access to euthanasia, it has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that the pod’s self-operational features and modern design could glamorize suicide and lead to misuse, especially in jurisdictions where such practices remain illegal.

Despite Switzerland's regulated framework for assisted dying, the debate surrounding the future of such devices is likely to continue, especially as the legal and ethical implications evolve. BBC News has reached out for comments from the Swiss prosecutor’s office regarding ongoing perspectives on assisted dying laws in the region.