Victoria Zardoya Obituary, Cause of Death – New Jersey Native Dies at 20 in Florida

Victoria Zardoya, a 20‑year‑old University of Tampa student and childhood best friend of Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Milania Giudice, passed away on July 26, 2026, from injuries sustained in a fall at Florida’s historic Fort Dade ruins. Her sudden death has left family, friends, and the Giudice household grieving the loss of a young woman remembered for her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit.

Who Was Victoria Zardoya
Victoria grew up in New Jersey, where her family lived as neighbors to the Giudices. Over the years, she became like family to them, sharing milestones and memories with Milania and her sisters. She later moved to Florida to attend the University of Tampa, where she continued to pursue her education and build lasting friendships.

What Happened at Fort Dade
On July 24, 2026, Victoria was visiting friends in the Tampa area when the group explored the ruins of Fort Dade on Egmont Key. As they prepared to leave, she fell onto a set of stairs. Initially, her friends believed she had fallen only one level, but they quickly realized the fall was much farther. Emergency crews from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit arrived at 6:08 p.m., and Victoria was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries two days later.

Tributes from the Giudice Family
The Giudice family has shared heartfelt tributes since her passing. Joe Giudice described Victoria as “like a daughter” in a moving Instagram post. Teresa Giudice wrote, “We love Victoria,” while Gia Giudice shared, “Heaven gained a beautiful angel today.” Audriana Giudice remembered her as “one of the most beautiful souls inside and out,” expressing the difficulty of processing such a sudden loss.

Legacy and Remembrance
Victoria Zardoya’s life, though tragically brief, was filled with love, friendship, and promise. She will be remembered not only as Milania’s best friend but also as a young woman who brought joy to those around her. Her passing serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment.