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Woman in Sarco 'suicide pod' heard three chilling words before dying 30 minutes later

A 64-year-old American woman is thought to have died after 30 minutes spent in the Sarco 'suicide pod' and was allegedly found with strangulation marks on her neck

[Sarco]

The woman is thought to have died in the pod after 30 minutes(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A woman who became the first person to die in the Sarco 'suicide pod' was told three chilling words before she passed away.

The 64-year-old American died inside the pod in a forested area of Merishausen, Switzerland, on September 23. She activated the device by pressing a button, filling the chamber with nitrogen gas which lead fatal hypoxia.

The creator of the pod, Dr Philip Nitschke who has been given the nickname Dr Death is understood to have pledged to make a similar contraption after Swiss police seized the original in their investigation surrounding the death. Florian Willet, president of The Last Resort the company behind the pod is being held in custody, along with others.

READ MORE: 'Suicide pods' by 'Dr Death' ask if people know what happens when they press button

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[Philip Nitschke ]

Dr Philip Nitschke followed the woman's death remotely from Germany(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Now, footage captured of the woman's death allegedly shows she was given a three-word instruction before her death, reports MailOnline. The woman reportedly entered the capsule at 3.50pm, at which point Willet asked her: "Do you want to talk to Philip?" Dr Nitschke was, at the time, following the proceedings remotely from Germany.

The woman responded: "No, I'm okay," and pressed the activation button. Willet then told her three words from outside the pod. They were simply "Keep on breathing."

After one minute and 57 seconds, the pod's motion-activated internal camera was switched on twice in quick succession.

A dark spot appeared in the fogged-up window which Dutch daily outlet De Volkskrant said was likely her knees being raised, something Willet told police was likely because her body was "strongly cramping."

[Sarco]

The woman was told three chilling words(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The same thing happened after two and a half minutes. At 4.01pm, Willet's iPad made an alarm sound, thought to be a result of the woman's heart rate monitor sounding six and a half minutes after she activated the pod. De Volkskrant explained this was likely because the heart takes time to stop after consciousness is lost. However, Willet is thought to have been confused by the sound.

He told Dr Nitschke: "She's still alive, Philip," before peering into the Sarco. After 30 minutes, Willet had reason to believe the woman had died. "She had her eyes closed," he told Nitschke." And she was breathing very deeply. Then the breathing slowed down. And then it stopped... she really looks dead."

Police are now looking into the possibility of foul play after the woman was found with what appeared to be strangulation marks on her neck.

The deceased was reportedly suffering from skull base osteomyelitis. An informant told Swiss media that this condition could mimic the appearance of strangulation marks due to bone marrow infection.

MailOnline disclosed that the woman had been seeking death for more than two years following a diagnosis of a "very serious illness that involves severe pain."

According to The Last Resort, her treatment options for osteomyelitis were limited due to an immune system disorder.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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