Milania Giudice remained by her best friend's side for days in the hospital after the friend's death following a fatal fall, according to former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Jennifer Aydin.
Victoria Zardoya, 20, died on July 26 after sustaining a severe brain injury from a fall down steps at the historic Fort Dade ruins in Florida. An autopsy report released in November confirmed her death was accidental, resulting from craniocerebral trauma, with ketamine detected in her blood.
Giudice, daughter of Teresa Giudice, was hospitalized in September under Florida's Baker Act for suicidal thoughts.
Aydin told the Daily Mail that Giudice stayed with Zardoya in the hospital until her organs were retrieved, a process that can take days. "Milania did not leave her best friend's side," Aydin said. "She was in the hospital with her until they retrieved her organs."
Zardoya's celebration of life was held in mid-August. Aydin, who attended, noted that the family requested attendees wear bright colors.
Aydin also shared that Giudice has been seeking treatment for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Giudice herself broke her silence on Instagram in October, stating she was not ashamed of her disorders and was in a treatment center.
In recent weeks, Giudice has been seen participating in activities with her mother, Teresa, including a yoga class and a dance class, suggesting a continued path toward recovery. Aydin described Milania as "doing great" and taking things "day by day."
This period has been challenging for the Giudice family, with Milania previously arrested in May for simple assault following a dispute at her family home, and an incident at Tampa International Airport in September where Teresa informed police her daughter had fentanyl in her system, though Milania stated she believed her drink had been laced.