New details surrounding the death of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Milania Giudice’s childhood friend, Victoria Zardoya, have emerged after a newly released autopsy report revealed that the 20-year-old had ketamine in her system when she suffered the fatal fall.
Zardoya, a student at the University of Tampa, died on July 26, two days after sustaining a devastating brain injury while exploring the historic Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key, Florida.
According to the medical examiner’s report obtained by the Daily Mail, Zardoya died from craniocerebral trauma, a form of traumatic brain injury.
Her death was classified as accidental.
Toxicology results showed that blood collected on July 24, the day of the incident, tested positive for ketamine and norketamine, a substance produced when the body metabolises ketamine.
Her blood also contained alcohol and etomidate, an anaesthetic medication used to induce general anaesthesia and sedation.
Medical Report Details Extent of Fatal Injuries
The autopsy documented the severity of the injuries Zardoya sustained after falling down multiple flights of steps at the historic site.
She suffered a major skull fracture and bleeding on the brain, alongside minor injuries to her arms and legs.
Although she was airlifted to hospital following the incident, doctors were unable to save her life.
She died two days after the fall.
It remains unclear when Zardoya consumed ketamine and alcohol before the incident.
Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use during surgery.
It has also been investigated as a treatment for certain psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety.
However, possessing, distributing or using the drug without a valid medical prescription is illegal.
Following her death, several of Zardoya’s organs, including her heart, lungs, kidneys and pancreas, were donated.
Friend Describes Final Moments Before the Accident
Zardoya’s friend, Victoria Silberbusch, previously shared an account of the incident in a lengthy statement released at the request of the deceased’s family.
She explained that Zardoya had travelled to Florida for the weekend to spend time with friends.
What started as an enjoyable day on the water ended in tragedy on July 24.
According to Silberbusch, the group had been preparing to leave Fort Dade and visit another location when Zardoya fell.
Initially, those present believed she had fallen just one level.
However, they soon realised she had fallen much further down the structure.
Friends immediately rushed to reach her while others contacted emergency services.
Those waiting near the boats also launched flares to help rescuers locate the group.
Silberbusch said everyone present responded immediately and did everything possible to assist Zardoya.
Friends Attempt to Help as Emergency Teams Respond
Silberbusch recalled that Zardoya sustained severe injuries in the fall and that those with her remained by her side while waiting for emergency responders.
Paramedics arrived by boat, while a medical helicopter was eventually able to transport the injured student to hospital following a difficult rescue operation.
Zardoya died on July 26.
In her statement, Silberbusch described the traumatic moments surrounding the fall, including the moment she realised her friend had fallen down the stairs.
She also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped during the emergency, insisting that Zardoya had been surrounded by people who cared about her and fought to save her.
Joe Giudice Announces Death of Daughter’s Childhood Friend
The death was initially announced in July by Joe Giudice, the father of Milania Giudice and former husband of Teresa Giudice.
Sharing a photograph of himself with his daughter and Zardoya, Joe described the loss as devastating and remembered the 20-year-old as someone who had become part of his family.
He explained that Zardoya and Milania had grown up together, with their families living as neighbours for several years.
Joe also recalled how a seemingly ordinary fall during a day of fun had resulted in the loss of a young woman with her entire future ahead of her.
He expressed his condolences to Zardoya’s family and said she would always have a place in their hearts.
Teresa Giudice also responded to the tribute, writing: “Forever in our hearts.”
Friends Share Tributes and Memories
Following the tragedy, Zardoya’s friends continued to share photographs and emotional messages remembering her life.
One friend posted a photograph of Zardoya’s hand as she lay in a hospital bed, explaining that losing someone close was an experience no one could adequately prepare for.
The friend described Zardoya as someone who wanted to make people happy and encouraged others to appreciate their loved ones.
Another friend, Ross, who was present during the incident, shared a deeply emotional tribute.
He expressed guilt over bringing Zardoya to the island that day and recalled how their weekend had ended with her parents having to arrange her funeral.
He also described the pain, confusion, anger and devastation experienced by those who knew her.
Ross said several of Zardoya’s friends had travelled from different parts of the country to remain by her side during her final moments.
He added that he would spend the rest of his life trying to make her proud.
Police Confirm Emergency Response at Egmont Key
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that its Marine Unit responded to the incident on July 24, 2026.
According to the department, officers received reports at approximately 6:08pm that an individual had fallen from one of the structures on Egmont Key.
