Victoria Zardoya, Milania Giudice’s Best Friend, Dies After Fall at Florida’s Fort Dade Ruins

Key points

• Victoria Zardoya, 20, died on July 26, 2026, following a fall at the Fort Dade Ruins in Tampa, Florida, on July 24.
• Zardoya was the childhood best friend of Milania Giudice and a student at the University of Tampa.
• Friend Victoria Silberbusch stated Zardoya fell from a set of stairs while the group was preparing to leave the site.
• First responders arrived by boat and medical helicopter, but Zardoya died two days later in the hospital.
• Joe Giudice initially described the incident as a 'simple fall,' while the Giudice family publicly mourned Zardoya as part of their family.

Background

The Giudice family had previously expressed grief for Zardoya without disclosing the specific cause of death, referring to it as a 'simple fall' in earlier statements. Zardoya and Milania Giudice were longtime friends who attended the University of Tampa together. The family described Zardoya as a beloved neighbor and part of their family in prior tributes.

How outlets are covering it

E! Online and Us Weekly reported on the details of the fall at Fort Dade Ruins, citing a statement from friend Victoria Silberbusch. Silberbusch described the fall as a 'devastating' accident that occurred while the group was exploring the site. Joe Giudice had earlier characterized the incident as a 'simple fall,' which contrasts with the detailed account of a multi-level fall from stairs provided by Silberbusch. Us Weekly focused on the Giudice family's emotional tributes, while E! Online emphasized the rescue efforts and Silberbusch's statement.

Why it matters

The death of Victoria Zardoya highlights the tragic loss of a young woman connected to a prominent reality TV family. The incident underscores the dangers of exploring historic sites and the impact of sudden, unexpected tragedies on close-knit communities. The public mourning by the Giudice family drew attention to the circumstances of her death.

What to watch

There is no indication of further legal or investigative developments. The focus remains on the mourning process and the family's tributes. No further details about the cause of death or safety investigations at Fort Dade Ruins have been reported.