How Did Milania Giudice's Childhood Friend Victoria Zardoya Die? Everything to Know About Her Tragic Death

Milania Giudice and her family are mourning the death of her childhood friend Victoria Zardoya.

On July 26, the reality TV personality and her loved ones — dad Joe Giudice, mom Teresa Giudice and sisters Gia and Audriana — remembered Victoria following her sudden death at age 20. According to reports, Victoria died from injuries sustained in a fall while visiting Egmont Key in Florida with friends.

Here is everything known so far about the fatal accident.

Victoria was Milania's childhood friend.

According to Milania, they met when they were 4 years old, attended art school together and grew up on Indian Lane in New Jersey. Their friendship grew stronger over the years, especially when they both enrolled at the University of Tampa.

A July 26 Instagram post, which Milania reposted on her Instagram Stories, confirmed Victoria had died following a fall while the group was preparing to leave the historic Fort Dade ruins. While her friends initially believed she had fallen only one level, they realized she had "fallen much farther" than they first thought.

"We immediately began climbing down to reach her while others called 911," part of the post read. "Friends back at the boats launched flares to help first responders locate us as quickly as possible, and additional calls were made to communicate just how urgent the situation was. Everyone did everything they possibly could to help. Her injuries from the fall were brutal."

Victoria was transported to a hospital by helicopter, but she died from injuries sustained in the tragic accident.

An investigation into the incident remains underway.

In a July 31 TikTok video, Milania revealed her best friend's organ donation saved eight lives.

"I can't really say much right now because this is, obviously, really new," she added. "I just can't believe this is real, like, seriously just hug your loved ones."

Milania called Victoria her "best friend," "sister," "soulmate" and "partner in crime" in an Instagram update following her death.

"There are no words in any language that could ever describe losing you," she wrote. "I still wait for your name to pop up on my phone, I still expect to hear your laugh, and I still catch myself wanting to tell you something. My heart keeps forgetting what my mind already knows."

After Victoria's death, Milania disclosed she had gotten a tattoo in her pal's honor, revealing the words "Baby V" in script on her wrist.

Then, on August 1, Teresa remembered Victoria as someone "full of life — kind, ambitious, and unstoppable."

"You had the biggest heart and the brightest future ahead of you. I can't believe I'm writing this right now," she expressed. "The thought of you not walking through my front door anymore doesn't feel real. It feels like a nightmare I keep hoping I'll wake up from."

The Bravo star said she watched Milania and Victoria "grow up into such beautiful young women."

"Seeing you both follow your dreams at the University of Tampa warmed my heart because I always knew she had you by her side," she continued.

"I love you so much sweet angel🤍," Teresa concluded. "Heaven gained one of the most beautiful souls, and I know you’ll be watching over all of us. You will be loved, missed, and remembered forever🙏🏼🪽."

Milania's dad, Joe, also shared a tribute on Instagram, saying Victoria was "like a daughter" to him.

"We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can't believe you're gone," he said. "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."

He continued, "Victoria, you will be missed more than you'll ever know. You'll always have a place in our hearts, and I'll never forget you."

Gia and Audriana also shared messages to pay tribute to Victoria.