Suicide Pod gave woman daunting 8-word command before she took her own life

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

After an American woman became the first to voluntarily end her own life using a 'suicide pod', the chilling eight-word instruction that the controversial device issued her just minutes prior to her death have hit headlines across the world.

The pods have been the subject of vast debate for several months (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to AFP, a 64-year-old woman - who is currently not being named - died using a Sarco pod, the line of which has been the subject of much debate since their construction earlier this year amid global discussions on euthanasia.

The 3D-printed devices - which are named due to the shape resembling a 'sarcophagus' - allow the person inside to push a button, which fills the pod with nitrogen gas.

After this, the individual becomes starved of oxygen, and will pass away after just a few minutes.

Sarco pods also come with an emergency exit button, which can be pressed if the inhabitant changes their mind on the procedure.

The devices also issue a somewhat eerie eight-word instruction to those using the pods, which commences the process.

This means that 'If you want to die, press this button' are the final words that the unnamed US woman would have heard prior to her passing.

The pods issue an eerie instruction prior to starving the individual of oxygen (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the news of her passing away inside a pod - which are based in Switzerland - had passed away, police confirmed yesterday (24 September) that 'several people' had been arrested amid an ongoing criminal case.

Investigating authorities said in a statement: "The public prosecutor's office of the canton of Schaffhausen was informed on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 4:40 p.m. by a law firm that an assisted suicide with the Sarco capsule had taken place in the afternoon at a forest hut in Merishausen.

"As a result, the Schaffhausen police, including the forensic emergency service, and the public prosecutor's office of the canton of Schaffhausen went to the scene of the crime.

"In addition, specialists from the Forensic Institute Zurich (FOR) and the Institute of Legal Medicine Zurich (IRMZ) were called in. The Sarco suicide capsule was secured and the deceased person was taken to the IRMZ for an autopsy.

'Several people' have been arrested following the individual's passing (ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

"In addition, several people in the Merishausen area were taken into police custody. The public prosecutor's office is also investigating the violation of other criminal offences."

An investigation has since been opened by prosecutors, who suspect those involved of both incitement and accessory to suicide.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.