Updated

Updated · Us Weekly · Aug 6

Medical Examiner Rules Victoria Zardoya's 20-Year-Old Egmont Key Death an Accident

Updated

Updated · Us Weekly · Aug 6

Medical Examiner Rules Victoria Zardoya's 20-Year-Old Egmont Key Death an Accident

Q: How did a devastating tragedy at a Florida historic site miraculously end up saving eight different lives?

It saved eight lives because Victoria Zardoya was an organ donor. Zardoya, 20, suffered fatal injuries after a fall while exploring the historic Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key, a remote site near Tampa Bay, Florida. Friends at the scene said the group immediately called 911, launched flares from nearby boats to guide rescuers, and stayed with her until paramedics arrived by boat and a medical helicopter took her to a hospital. Despite those efforts, she later died from her injuries. After her death, her organs were donated for transplant. Milania Giudice, her lifelong friend, said that donation helped save eight people. Victoria’s mother also indicated that one recipient received two organs, underscoring the scale of the donation’s impact. That is the “small silver lining” the family and friends have pointed to amid the tragedy: a fatal accident at a historic Florida site led to multiple life-saving transplants. Zardoya’s family has described the decision as the ultimate gift of life, and those close to her have said it reflected her generosity and compassion.

3 articles · Updated · Us Weekly · Aug 6

District 12's Medical Examiner said Victoria Zardoya died from craniocerebral trauma and ruled the 20-year-old University of Tampa student's death an accident after her July 24 fall on Egmont Key.
Fort Dade's historic ruins were the site of the fall, according to a family-approved Instagram account that said what began as a day on the water ended with fatal injuries.
Gia Giudice said sister Milania is staying close to Zardoya's family, calling them "family" and asking for prayers after the longtime friend died two days after the accident.
Milania Giudice said Zardoya's organs were donated and would save eight people, turning the family's public tributes toward both grief and awareness.