Victoria Zardoya, a close childhood friend of Milania Giudice, star of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey,' has died at the age of 20. The news was shared by Joe Giudice, Milania's father, who stated Zardoya passed away following what he described as a "simple fall."
Joe Giudice, who was a neighbor to Zardoya's family for years, expressed his grief in a social media post. "Victoria, you were like a daughter to me," he wrote, sharing a photo of himself with his daughter and Zardoya. "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, noting, "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. Life is so fragile. In one moment, everything can change. Please don’t take a single day or the people you love for granted."
Milania Giudice, 20, who recently made headlines for an assault arrest in May, has not yet posted a personal tribute. However, she has reposted messages from friends honoring Zardoya and shared old photos of the pair as children. Her mother, Teresa Giudice, commented on Joe Giudice's post, saying, "Forever in our hearts."
Friends of Zardoya also shared their devastation. One friend posted a photo from a hospital bed, writing, "no one ever prepares you to lose a loved one. All I got to say is if Vic wanted anything in this world is to make people happy. and she sure did that to her very last seconds."
Another friend, Ross, who stated he was with Zardoya when the fatal fall occurred, wrote a poignant message online. "one day I’ll see you up there and be able to say I’m sorry for bringing you to that stupid island that day that ended with you on the flight of life helicopter." He described the aftermath as "the worst day of my life followed by the next worst day of my life." He added, "A beautiful soul and the most amazing person taken from us all far, far too soon. She had a lifelong of dreams, adventures, and happiness left to live." Ross also shared a photo holding Zardoya's hand in the hospital and expressed profound guilt and sorrow.
According to her social media, Zardoya was a student at the University of Tampa. In the days leading up to her death, she had been on holiday in Ibiza and Portugal. Ross’s tribute mentioned that many of Zardoya's friends flew in from across the country to be by her side in her final moments, highlighting the wide circle of love and support she had.
"She was incredibly loved. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of our lives ended with your parents planning your funeral," Ross wrote. "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. Why do I get to wake up tomorrow and still be here? I'll live the rest of my life making sure you are proud of me Victoria."