Updated

Updated · E! NEWS · Aug 6

Victoria Zardoya, 20, Dies of Craniocerebral Trauma After Accidental Florida Fall

Updated

Updated · E! NEWS · Aug 6

Victoria Zardoya, 20, Dies of Craniocerebral Trauma After Accidental Florida Fall

Q: How did a tragic accident at a Florida ruin unexpectedly end up saving eight different lives through organ donation?

It did so because Victoria Zardoya was an organ donor, and after she died from traumatic brain injuries caused by the fall at Fort Dade, her organs were donated to transplant recipients. Friends and family said Zardoya, 20, suffered fatal injuries after falling down stairs while exploring the Egmont Key ruins on July 24. She was rescued by boat, airlifted to a hospital, and died three days later. After her death, Milania Giudice said from Zardoya’s hospital room that her friend was “saving eight people’s lives.” That outcome came through organ donation. Zardoya’s mother, Maritza Zardoya, said one recipient would receive two organs, which is why the donations were expected to help eight people in total. That is consistent with transplant guidance that one donor can save up to eight lives through the donation of major organs. So the tragedy unexpectedly became life-saving for others because Zardoya’s family honored her donor status after doctors determined her injuries were unsurvivable. Her death, ruled accidental by the medical examiner, was followed by donations that gave multiple critically ill patients a chance to live. Her family and friends have described that as part of her legacy, alongside calls for stronger safety measures at the Fort Dade ruins to help prevent another fatal fall.

3 articles · Updated · E! NEWS · Aug 6

The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office said Aug. 5 that Victoria Zardoya died July 27, three days after a fall at Fort Dade ruins in Florida, and ruled the 20-year-old’s death an accident.
Craniocerebral trauma was listed as the cause of death, clarifying the injuries she suffered during the July 24 incident at the historic Egmont Key site.
Victoria Silberbusch, who was with Zardoya, said the group first thought she had fallen one level, then realized she had dropped much farther down the stairs and called 911 while others climbed to reach her.
Paramedics arrived by boat and a medical helicopter later took Zardoya to a hospital after what Silberbusch described as a difficult rescue.
Milania Giudice, Gia Giudice and Joe Giudice publicly mourned Zardoya, a University of Tampa student and longtime family friend Joe said was "like a daughter" to him.