Milania Giudice's Childhood Best Friend Dies After Tragic Fall While Exploring Historic Florida Fort

A vacation with friends turned into an unimaginable tragedy for reality TV personality Milania Giudice after her childhood best friend, Victoria Zardoya, died following a fall at a historic fort in Florida.

Zardoya, 20, was exploring the ruins of Fort Dade on Egmont Key near Tampa Bay on July 24 when she fell from one of the fort's historic military structures, according to friends who were with her.

At first, the group believed she had only fallen one level.

"We ran to the edge, calling out to her," friend Victoria Silberbusch wrote on Instagram. "But quickly realized she had fallen much farther than we first believed."

As panic set in, friends rushed down the ruins to reach Zardoya while others dialed 911. They also launched emergency flares from nearby boats to help first responders find their location as quickly as possible.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to the remote island, and Zardoya was airlifted to a nearby hospital. She died from her injuries two days later, on July 26.

The heartbreaking loss has devastated the Giudice family, who say Victoria wasn't just a friend—she was family.

"We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family," Joe Giudice wrote in a tribute. "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."

Milania also honored Zardoya in an emotional social media post, calling her "my best friend" and "my sister." Teresa, Gia and Audriana Giudice shared tributes remembering the 20-year-old, who had spent much of her life alongside their family.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall.

Fort Dade, located on Egmont Key at the entrance to Tampa Bay, is a former military installation built after the Spanish-American War and is now a popular destination for visitors exploring its historic ruins.