Olympic Judo Silver Medalist Claudia Heill Commits Suicide in Austria

**W. Rabbit** · Posted On: 3/31/2011 10:48am

Former Olympic Judo Silver Medalist Commits Suicide in Austria

VIENNA -- The Austrian judo federation says former Olympic judo silver medalist Claudia Heill of Austria has committed suicide by jumping out of a sixth-story window in central Vienna. She was 29.

2004 Athens silver medalist. A judoka killing herself by falling...ironic.

**C0WB0Y** · Posted On: 3/31/2011 10:56am

1.) Sad

2.) So pretty.

3.) No breakfall?

**W. Rabbit** · Posted On: 4/01/2011 10:37am

One bump because I think this story got lost in the shenanigans.

**Iainkelt** · Posted On: 4/02/2011 12:14am

Jesus, just 29 and someone who obviously accomplished a lot in her life. Sad.

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 4/15/2011 2:15pm

Any word on the impetus of the suicide?

**Permalost** · Posted On: 4/15/2011 2:34pm

Wow, that's a shame.

**W. Rabbit** · Posted On: 4/15/2011 4:16pm

There was no suicide note, and as far as I've been able to dig up, no reasons given. It is still under investigation I suppose.

Some people have speculated it was medication related...antidepressants or perhaps even a training supplement...so many medicines with a side effect of suicide and depression that it seems to fit this kind of "out of the blue" suicide..

**serey** · Posted On: 6/18/2011 8:15am

any follow up?

**Eddie Hardon** · Posted On: 6/18/2011 10:01am

Tragic Story. Terrific achievement to Olympic Silver. So pretty. This will have an awful impact on her family and friends.

If she was on anti-depressant medication, then, yes, it could amplify suicidal thoughts before it becomes effective. This is true for Seroxat/Paroxetine, for which the severity of the side-effects can be modified by diazepam during this phase. Medical advice is essential so you don't think you're on your own.

Terrible if this might be true - the more so 'cos it is avoidable.

**judoka_uk** · Posted On: 6/18/2011 10:10am

Well I've had a look at the Austrian press and if anyone does know what and why it happened they haven't said anything.

She was given a military burial with full honours, for those who are interested.