Renowned American Artist Jackie Ferrara Dies by Assisted Death at 95 Despite Being in Good Health

Acclaimed American sculptor Jackie Ferrara, celebrated for her geometric wooden structures and public art installations, has died at the age of 95 through medically assisted death.

According to her estate and legacy adviser, Tina Hejtmanek, Ferrara passed away on Wednesday, October 22, at an assisted dying clinic in Basel, Switzerland, operated by the nonprofit organization Pegasos.

The artist, whose works are featured in major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, reportedly chose to end her life despite being in good physical health.

In one of her final interviews with The New York Times, Ferrara explained that she was “ready to go,” citing her desire to remain independent after experiencing two falls within the past year.

“I don’t want a housekeeper,” she said. “I never wanted anybody. I was married three times. That’s enough.”

While medical aid in dying (MAID) is permitted in several U.S. states such as California, Oregon, and Vermont, the laws only apply to terminally ill patients. Ferrara, therefore, travelled to Switzerland, where assisted dying has been legal since 1942 for individuals who administer the life-ending medication themselves.

Ferrara’s death has renewed discussions around end-of-life autonomy and the ethics of assisted dying for non-terminal individuals.

The pioneering artist leaves behind a legacy of bold, minimalist works that continue to shape modern sculpture and public art.