Founder of assisted suicide clinic Dignitas ends his life days before 93rd birthday

The founder of a Swiss assisted suicide clinic has ended his own life just days before his 93rd birthday.

Ludwig Minelli, who was at the helm of the Dignitas right-to-die organization for nearly two decades, died on Saturday from “voluntary assisted dying,” the group said.

Minelli — described by the non-profit as a “pioneer and warrior” — would have celebrated his birthday this Friday.

No other details about Minelli’s death were immediately available, including where he died.

The journalist-turned-human rights lawyer had founded Dignitas back in 1998 to help people end their lives on their own terms.

In a tribute, the group said Minelli had “stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens.”

“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,” the group said.

Dignitas, which says it has strict guidelines for accepting candidates, has helped roughly 4,000 people in Switzerland and across the world end their lives, according to the group.

Dignitas vowed to continue Minelli’s work.

“The Dignitas team will continue to manage and develop the association in the spirit of its founder as a professional and combative international organization for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life,” the group said.

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 at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.