Virginia Giuffre – who accused Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse – has died by suicide at the age of 41, her family has said.
Giuffre was one of the most prominent victims of convicted sex offenders Epstein and his former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. She claimed they trafficked her to the Duke of York when she was 17 – an allegation Prince Andrew has consistently denied.
Her family said she died on Friday in Western Australia, where she had been living for several years.
“Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors,” the family said in a statement. “Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure.”
Police in Western Australia said they were called to a property in Neergabby – a rural area on the outskirts of Perth – late on Friday. They confirmed the death of a 41-year-old woman, who was not named, and said attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. No foul play is suspected.
Giuffre, who was born in the United States, had been living with her husband Robert and their children in the suburb of North Perth. However, recent reports suggested the couple had separated after 22 years of marriage.
Three weeks ago, Giuffre posted on Instagram saying she had been seriously injured in a car accident. Her family later said she had not intended for the post to become public, while local police disputed the severity of the incident.
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