The creator of the Sarco suicide pod is building a new capsule so he can continue to carry out further assisted suicides.
Dr Philip Nitschke, who has been dubbed Dr Death, has pledged to make the new macabre contraption, after Swiss police seized the original as they continue to investigate the death of an American woman.
The 64-year died inside the pod, which was located in forested area of Merishausen, Switzerland, on September 23. She activated the device, which filled the chamber with nitrogen gas, leading to a lethal case of hypoxia after pressing a button from within.
READ MORE: ‘Suicide pods’ by ‘Dr Death’ ask if people know what happens when they press button
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However, cops are now looking into the possibility of foul play after she was found with what appeared to be strangulation marks on her neck.
(Image: Getty Images)
Nitschke, the founder of euthanasia group Exit International, will use a 3D printer in the Netherlands to make the new machine and intends to use it in a country outside of Switzerland, MailOnline reports.
The former GP from Australia lives in the Netherlands and revealed he will have to start from scratch again, saying: “We haven’t actually got any device to use now, so while I’m here in the Netherlands – and I’m here for the foreseeable future – we have started to print another one.
“As soon as we get that printed I guess we’ll be able to plan some form of use of the device and we’ve got several strategies that we’re looking at in detail that don’t involve the uncertainty of Switzerland.”
(Image: Exit International)
The assisted dying campaigner’s associate, Dr Florian Willet, was arrested in the forest where the woman was found inside the pod. He is said to have been the sole individual with the mother-of-two at her time of death.
Nitschke chose to launch the Sarco pod in Switzerland as it is the only country where people can receive help to terminate their life. Under Swiss law, doctors do not have to carry out the procedure, and can assist their death, as long as they act “unselfishly”.
Between Exit International and Dr Willet’s organisation The Last Resort, around 120 people from around the world hope to use Sarco to end their lives.
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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