Dignitas founder ends his own life at one of his clinics days before his birthday

Dignitas founder ends his own life at one of his clinics days before his birthday Molly Lee Molly Lee Published November 30, 2025 2:36pm Updated November 30, 2025 2:42pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Ludwig Minelli has died, aged 92, at one of his own assisted dying clinics (Picture: WAGNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The founder of the Dignitas assisted dying clinics has died aged 92.

The human rights lawyer had ‘chosen to end his life’ at one of his own clinics on November 29, just days before his birthday, the not-for-profit Swiss clinic announced.

In a four-page tribute, Dignitas said: ‘He stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens.’

In 1998, Minelli set up the clinic to help those terminally and chronically ill to die, under the slogan ‘live with dignity, die with dignity.’

Minelli tirelessly campaigned for his assisted dying clinics (Picture: SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/GettyImages)

He campaigned for his assisted suicide organisation for decades which led to him appearing in court several times as a result.

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Dignitas said: ‘Right up to the end of his life, he continued to search for further ways to help people to exercise their right to freedom of choice and self-determination in their ‘final matters’– and he often found them.’

As of 2024, the organisation had helped more than 4,000 people to end their lives.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.

Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit samaritans.org for more information.

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