Victoria Zardoya, a 20-year-old University of Tampa student, died several days after suffering severe injuries in a fall at the historic Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key, Florida.
Zardoya was visiting the island with friends on July 24, 2026, when she fell while the group was exploring the historic structures. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit responded after receiving a report that someone had fallen from one of the ruins.
Her friends initially believed she had fallen a shorter distance, but they soon realized the seriousness of the incident and worked to reach her while emergency services were contacted.
Zardoya Transported to Hospital
Friends remained with Zardoya while they waited for help to arrive on the remote island.
Paramedics reached Egmont Key by boat, after which a medical helicopter transported Zardoya to a local hospital. She was in critical condition following the fall.
Despite treatment for her injuries, Zardoya later died. Local reporting citing the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office identified July 27, 2026, as the date she was pronounced deceased.
Cause of Death Was Craniocerebral Trauma
The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Zardoya died from craniocerebral trauma, referring to severe traumatic injuries involving the skull and brain.
The manner of death was determined to be accidental.
A sheriff’s office report initially referenced an active criminal investigation, although the available report was heavily redacted and did not provide further information about the circumstances that led to the fall. The death investigation was also described as complete.
Friends Remember Victoria Zardoya
Zardoya’s death brought tributes from friends and people who had known her for years.
She was reportedly a longtime friend of Milania Giudice, the daughter of television personality Teresa Giudice. Both young women attended the University of Tampa and maintained their friendship.
The Giudice family mourned Zardoya publicly following her death. Joe Giudice remembered her as someone who had become like part of his family, while Milania also shared memor
Leave a Reply