Virginia Giuffre, who became widely known for accusing Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, died by suicide at the age of 41. Her family confirmed the news on Saturday and said she passed away at her farm in Western Australia.
Family Shares Grief
The family expressed deep sadness over her death. They mentioned that Giuffre had faced lifelong trauma due to sexual abuse and human trafficking. According to them, the emotional pain eventually became too overwhelming for her to bear. They described her as a loving and courageous woman who always put her children first.
History of High-Profile Accusations
Giuffre held citizenship in both the US and Australia. She had accused Epstein of forcing her into sex work when she was still a minor. She also alleged that Prince Andrew had sex with her when she was 17, after being introduced to him by Epstein.
Prince Andrew had denied the accusations, but he later settled the case with Giuffre out of court. Reports said he paid millions as part of the settlement, which also included a donation to a charity helping trafficking victims. Epstein, on the other hand, died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Police Begin Investigation
Police in Western Australia responded to an emergency call on Friday night. They found Giuffre unresponsive at her home in Neergabby, north of Perth. Although emergency services tried to help, she was declared dead at the scene. Police stated there were no suspicious circumstances and said that investigations would continue.
Recent Health and Legal Issues
In March, Giuffre had been involved in a minor car crash that included a school bus with 29 children. She was taken to the hospital with injuries and later posted a photo showing her bruised face. In that post, she had written that she had only a few days to live. Her agent later clarified that the post was not meant to be public.
She had also been facing personal challenges. Reports said she had separated from her husband, Robert. In February, she was charged with breaching a family violence restraining order. Her representative claimed the charges were false and said she intended to prove her innocence. Giuffre had reportedly been worried about the safety of her children, who were in her husband’s custody.
Tributes From Friends and Supporters
Giuffre’s lawyer and agent paid tribute to her strength and dedication. They described her as someone who inspired others with her courage and helped many survivors speak out. Her supporters said she had been a source of hope and strength for other victims of abuse.
