**Euthanasia Advocate Dies After Arrest Linked to Controversial Device**

Dr. Florian Willet's death raises questions about the ethics and legality of assisted dying technologies.

A pro-euthanasia advocate, Dr. Florian Willet, has died shortly after a tumultuous legal battle following the controversial use of a suicide pod. Dr. Willet, 47, was arrested last year in connection with the death of a 64-year-old American woman, who reportedly used the device in a forest in Switzerland. The creator of the pod, Philip Nitschke, confirmed that Dr. Willet died by assisted suicide in Germany, citing the psychological trauma he endured post-arrest.

Dr. Willet founded The Last Resort, an organization aimed at providing assistance for individuals seeking to use the pod, which has faced scrutiny from various groups. Nitschke remarked that Dr. Willet "shouldered more than any man should," indicating the emotional toll his legal struggles took on him.

After being detained for 70 days while authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, Dr. Willet experienced severe distress, reportedly leading to his hospitalization after a fall from a third-floor window, which necessitated surgical intervention and psychiatric care.

The pod, which is designed to facilitate assisted dying without the reliance on pharmaceuticals or medical professionals, has incited mixed reactions. Supporters argue it offers a vital option for those in need, while critics express concerns over its accessibility and potential encouragement of self-harm. Though assisted dying is legal under strict conditions in Switzerland, it remains illegal in the UK and many other European nations, prompting countless individuals to seek end-of-life options abroad.

The ongoing discussion around assisted dying technologies, particularly those like the Sarco pod, continues to provoke passionate debate in both legal and ethical domains.