Norman Ritter, known from the long-running Stern TV documentary, is dead. The 40-year-old, who has been the focus of the media since his childhood, died on Wednesday, January 15th. According to his brother René, he recently suffered from serious health problems, including liver cirrhosis. He died as a result of “water in the heart,” as RTL reports.
The Ritter family from Köthen (Saxony-Anhalt) became known in 1994 through the Stern TV documentary, which provided insights into their difficult lives. Marked by unemployment, violence and right-wing extremist views, the family made numerous headlines.
Even as a child, Norman Ritter attracted attention with gestures such as the Hitler salute and right-wing extremist statements. He later struggled with alcohol addiction, which severely affected his health. He spent many years in prison.
The family has had to cope with several losses in recent years. Norman’s mother Karin Ritter, a chain smoker and head of the family, died in 2021 at the age of 66. Two years later, in 2023, Norman’s brother Andy lost his battle with drug addiction. At the time, Norman stated in a YouTube live stream that Andy had taken the so-called “golden shot,” a drug overdose.
Norman Ritter was now the third family member to die within four years.
Do you or does someone you know have problems with alcohol?
Blue Cross Switzerland, advice centers
Safezone.ch, anonymous online advice for addiction issues
Alcoholics Anonymous, Tel. 0848 848 885
-Feel-ok, information for young people
My Drink Control, self-test
Poisoning emergencies, Tel. 145
ada-zh, contact point for relatives addiction
Children’s Soul Switzerland, advice for mentally stressed parents and their relatives
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