Victoria Zardoya, the childhood best friend of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Milania Giudice, has died at the age of 20. The news was shared by Milania's father, Joe Giudice, who described the incident as a 'simple fall'.
Giudice posted a tribute on social media, expressing his grief and recollecting Zardoya's closeness to his family. "Victoria, you were like a daughter to me," he wrote. "I watched you grow up with my daughter Milania. We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can’t believe you’re gone."
He reflected on the fragility of life, stating, "To think that a simple fall while just being young and having fun could take such a beautiful life is heartbreaking. You were only 20 years old, with your whole future ahead of you."
Teresa Giudice, Milania's mother, commented on Joe Giudice's post, saying, "Forever in our hearts." Milania Giudice, who is also 20, has reposted messages from friends honoring Zardoya and shared throwback photos of the pair.
Friends also shared tributes, with one friend writing about Zardoya's desire to make people happy. Another friend, Ross, revealed he was with Zardoya when the fatal fall occurred. He described the event as the "worst day of my life" followed by the "next worst day of my life."
"A beautiful soul and the most amazing person taken from us all far, far too soon," Ross wrote. "She had a lifelong of dreams, adventures, and happiness left to live."
According to her social media, Zardoya was a student at the University of Tampa. In the days prior to her death, she had been on holiday in Ibiza and Portugal. She was reportedly airlifted by helicopter following the incident. Friends who traveled to be with her during her final moments expressed the deep void her absence has left.
"My heart breaks for all of them," Ross continued, referring to Zardoya's friends. "So many of them flew in from all parts of the country to be by her side every last moment. She was incredibly loved."
He added, "What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of our lives ended with your parents planning your funeral. I will never be the same after this. I would have gladly exchanged my life on the beach that day for yours. You had a lot more left in life to live than me."