Victoria Zardoya, the childhood best friend of Real Housewives of New Jersey personality Milania Giudice, has died at the age of 20.
Her death was shared publicly by Milania’s father, Joe Giudice, who said Zardoya passed away after what he described as a “simple fall.”
Posting a photo of Zardoya with Milania, Joe paid tribute to the young woman and wrote, “There are no words for this kind of pain.
“Victoria, you were like a daughter to me. I watched you grow up with my daughter Milania. We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can’t believe you’re gone.
“To think that a simple fall while just being young and having fun could take such a beautiful life is heartbreaking. You were only 20 years old, with your whole future ahead of you.
“Life is so fragile. In one moment, everything can change. Please don’t take a single day or the people you love for granted.
Victoria Zardoya (left), the childhood best friend of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Milania Giudice, has died at 20
Milania’s father, Joe Giudice, announced Zardoya’s death and said she had passed away after a “simple fall”
‘Victoria, you will be missed more than you’ll ever know. You’ll always have a place in our hearts, and I’ll never forget you.
‘My heart is with your family. Rest in peace, beautiful girl. Until we meet again.’
His ex-wife Teresa Giudice commented on his post, ‘Forever in our hearts.’
Milania, 20, who was arrested for assault in May, has yet to post a tribute message but reposted messages from her friends honoring Zardoya and shared photos of the pair as youngsters.
Zardoya’s friend shared a photo of her hand as she lay in a hospital bed, writing, ‘no one ever prepares you to lose a loved one.
‘All i got to say is if Vic wanted anything in this world is to make people happy. and she sure did that to her very last seconds.
‘Please cherish life as it can be gone so quickly, don’t fail to tell your people how much you love them, and truly live life to the fullest while you have the opportunity.’
Per her social media, Zardoya was a student at the University of Tampa. In her final days she had holidayed in Ibiza and Portugal.
Alongside a photo with his daughter and Zardoya, he wrote, ‘There are no words for this kind of pain. Victoria, you were like a daughter to me. I watched you grow up with my daughter Milania. We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can’t believe you’re gone’
Zardoya’s friend shared a photo of her hand as she lay in a hospital bed, writing, ‘ no one ever prepares you to lose a loved one’
Per her social media, Zardoya was a student at the University of Tampa. In her final days she had holidayed in Ibiza and Portugal – seen in her final post on June 30
Milania shared childhood photos with Zardoya as she remembered her friend
Another friend Ross revealed he had been with Zardoya when she had her fatal fall, writing, ‘one day ill see you up there and be able to say I’m sorry for bringing you to that stupid island that day that ended with you on the flight of life helicopter’
Ross also shared a photo holding his late friend’s hand in hospital
Another friend Ross revealed he had been with Zardoya when she had her fatal fall, writing, ‘one day ill see you up there and be able to say I’m sorry for bringing you to that stupid island that day that ended with you on the flight of life helicopter.’
His tribute read, ‘The worst day of my life followed by the next worst day of my life. A beautiful soul and the most amazing person taken from us all far, far too soon. She had a lifelong of dreams, adventures, and happiness left to live.
‘The pain, hurt, shock, anger, guilt, confusion, devastation… only gets worse everyday. She has the most amazing group of friends that have a hole in their hearts so big it will never be filled. My heart breaks for all of them.
‘So many of them flew in from all parts of the country to be by her side every last moment. She was incredibly loved. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of our lives ended with your parents planning your funeral.
‘I will never be the same after this. I would have gladly exchanged my life on the beach that day for yours. You had alot more left in life to live than me.
‘Why do I get to wake up tomorrow and still be here? I’ll live the rest of my life making sure you are proud of me Victoria.’
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Giudice family for comment and has yet to hear back.
