An Austrian doctor who was targeted by anti-vaxxers for her public advocacy in favor of the Covid-19 vaccines has committed suicide.
The body of Lisa-Maria Kellermayr, who was often quoted in the media about the pandemic and the importance of vaccines, was found at her office in rural northern Austria on Friday, according to Austrian media reports.
Officials said she left a suicide note but did not reveal its contents. Kelllmayr had been the target of death threats from anti-vaccination activists.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen praised the doctor as a great healer and called out those who had threatened her.
“Let’s put an end to this intimidation and fear mongering. Hate and intolerance have no place in our Austria,” Van der Bellen said. “But some people have been enraged by this. And these people scared her, threatened her, first on the internet and then also in person, directly in her practice.”
Last month, Austria pulled the plug on a controversial plan to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all adults. The decision to pull the plan came after months of protests over lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations in the country.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline by calling 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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