Victoria Zardoya, a 20-year-old friend of Milania Giudice, died from catastrophic injuries sustained in a fall while exploring historic ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key, Florida. The incident occurred on July 24.
According to a statement shared by Zardoya's friend Victoria Silberbusch, the group was preparing to leave the ruins when the accident happened. Silberbusch stated that Zardoya fell further than initially perceived, prompting immediate efforts by friends to reach her and call for emergency services. Paramedics arrived by boat, and a medical helicopter was used to transport Zardoya to a hospital. She passed away from her injuries on July 26.
Joe Giudice, Milania Giudice's father and a star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, shared his grief, describing Zardoya as being like a daughter to him. He noted that they had been neighbors for years, and she had become part of their family. "To think that a simple fall while just being young and having fun could take such a beautiful life is heartbreaking," Giudice wrote in a social media post.
Milania Giudice reposted tributes to Zardoya on her Instagram stories. Zardoya was a student at the University of Tampa, and had recently traveled to Ibiza and Portugal.
Another friend, who identified himself as Ross, was present during the fall and expressed deep sorrow and guilt. He wrote about the shock and devastation, stating that Zardoya was deeply loved and that many friends traveled to be with her in her final moments. He added that he would live the rest of his life making sure Zardoya would be proud of him.
The circumstances of the fall have been described as a "simple fall" by Joe Giudice, but also as "devastating" and resulting in "brutal" injuries by friends who were present and administered aid while awaiting first responders. The group included both old and new friends of Zardoya, some of whom had flown to Florida for the weekend.