Alexandra Zardoya Mourns Twin Sister's Death at 20 as Organ Donation Saves 8

Q: How did a seemingly simple fall at an isolated island ruin turn into a tragedy that ultimately saved eight lives?

A day exploring the historic Fort Dade ruins on remote Egmont Key turned tragic when Victoria Zardoya, 20, fell from one of the island’s structures as her group was preparing to leave. Friends initially thought she had dropped only one level, but quickly realized she had fallen much farther and suffered catastrophic injuries, including impact on stairs. Because Egmont Key is only accessible by boat, the rescue was difficult. Friends called 911, climbed down to reach her, and others on a nearby boat launched flares to help marine responders find them faster. Paramedics arrived by boat, and Victoria was then airlifted by medical helicopter to a local hospital. Authorities said she remained in critical condition for days before she died from her injuries. What made the accident especially devastating was how ordinary the outing had seemed. Friends described it as a fun, innocent day on the water that changed “in a matter of seconds,” underscoring the risks of exploring old, elevated ruins in an isolated area with limited access for emergency crews. Yet the tragedy also led to eight lives being helped. Victoria was an organ donor, and her twin sister Alexandra said that decision would give eight people a second chance at life. That is why her autopsy and medical examiner process were delayed: organ recovery took priority. In the midst of profound grief, her family and friends have pointed to that final act as a lasting legacy of generosity.

3 articles · Updated · E! NEWS · Aug 1

July 31 brought Alexandra Zardoya’s first public tribute to her twin Victoria, saying the 20-year-old’s death after a July 24 fall at Fort Dade left her in shock and "half of my heart" broken.
Eight people will get a second chance at life through Victoria’s organ donation, Alexandra said, calling the decision a final reflection of her sister’s caring and selfless character.
Fort Dade’s ruins on Egmont Key were the site of the accident during a weekend trip with friends from Tampa; one friend said the group initially thought Victoria had fallen only one level before realizing the drop was far worse.
6:08 p.m. was when the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit reached Egmont Key on July 24 after reports that someone had fallen from a structure; Victoria was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died.
Victoria’s death has also drawn tributes from childhood friend Milania Giudice and her family, underscoring how widely the New Jersey native was known and mourned.