An autopsy obtained by Us Weekly has revealed new details about the death of Victoria Zardoya, the 20-year-old best friend of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Milania Giudice. According to the Sarasota medical examiner’s office, Zardoya’s cause of death was craniocerebral trauma, including skull fractures, and the manner of death was ruled an accident from a fall from height. Toxicology results showed ketamine, norketamine, alcohol and etomidate, a sedative medication, in her system.
Zardoya died on July 24 after falling while exploring the Spanish-American War ruins of Fort Dade on Egmont Key, an island off Tampa Bay, during a weekend trip to visit friends. A close friend who was present, Victoria Silberbusch, shared on Instagram that the day had been fun and innocent before ending in tragedy. Milania Giudice paid tribute to her best friend, writing,“Forever my best friend. Forever my sister. Forever my Victoria.”
Zardoya was an organ donor, and her lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and other organs were donated, leaving a lasting legacy beyond the headlines. As the story continues to draw attention, it’s also raising conversations about safety at historic sites and the questions that come with toxicology findings in a case like this. What do you think should come next from this investigation?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.