Victoria Zardoya Dies at 20 in Fort Dade Fall as Teresa Giudice Seeks Prayers

Q: What hidden dangers at the historic Fort Dade ruins led to the fatal fall that claimed Victoria Zardoya's life?

The fatal danger appears to have been an elevated, poorly protected section of the Fort Dade ruins with a severe drop that may not have been obvious to visitors. Accounts from people who were with Victoria Zardoya say she fell while the group was exploring the historic structures on Egmont Key. One friend said they initially believed she had fallen only one level, but then realized she had fallen much farther, indicating a multi-level drop inside or along the ruined structure. Other reporting described the fall as occurring onto or near a set of stairs. Additional reporting tied to calls for safety upgrades points to the likely hazard: an exposed elevated area of the fort where the drop was not sufficiently visible or clearly marked. A form letter circulated after her death urged Florida park and wildlife officials to investigate “the elevated portion of the fort where the deadly fall reportedly occurred,” saying it contained “a severe drop” that might not be obvious to people approaching or walking across it. The letter called for barriers, railings and warning signs. Authorities ruled Zardoya’s death an accident, and the medical examiner listed the cause as craniocerebral trauma. Publicly available reports do not provide a more detailed official reconstruction of the exact step-by-step mechanics of the fall, but the evidence points to hidden vertical hazards in the deteriorated ruins, especially an unguarded or insufficiently marked drop near the stair area.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 6

Victoria Zardoya, 20, died July 24 after suffering fatal injuries in a fall while exploring historic ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key off Tampa, according to a friend who was on the trip.
The friend, Victoria Silberbusch, said the group first thought Zardoya had fallen one level, then realized she had fallen much farther and climbed down to reach her as others called 911.
Teresa Giudice told USA TODAY she needs prayers for Zardoya's family and for daughter Milania Giudice, who is grieving the loss of her best friend during what Giudice called a very difficult period.
Giudice, Milania and other family members posted tributes on social media, with Teresa calling Zardoya like a daughter to her and Milania describing her as her sister and soulmate.