Tragic Discovery at Australian Home
Virginia Giuffre, the sex trafficking survivor who famously sued Prince Andrew, has died aged 41. She was found unresponsive at her rural property in Neergabby, Western Australia, on Friday night. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. Authorities have confirmed her death is not currently being treated as suspicious.
Family: ‘The Toll Became Unbearable’
Her devastated family released a statement saying Virginia was a “fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse” but admitted “the toll of abuse… became unbearable”. They described her as “the light that lifted so many survivors” and said she would be “missed beyond measure”.
Mother, Fighter, Advocate
Virginia leaves behind three children — Christian, Noah and Emily — who were described as “the light of her life”. Her family said it was after giving birth to her daughter that she found the strength to fight back against the powerful figures who had exploited her as a teenager.
Voice Against a Global Scandal
Giuffre became one of the most recognisable faces in the long-running case against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She alleged she was trafficked to Prince Andrew when she was just 17 — a claim he has denied. In 2022, the Duke of York paid millions to settle her civil lawsuit without admitting guilt.
From Mar-a-Lago to Courtrooms
Virginia, who was born in the US, said she was working as a spa attendant at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida when she was first recruited by Maxwell in 2000. She claimed Epstein then trafficked her to meet powerful men around the world.
Police Confirm Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for Western Australia Police said: “Police and St John Western Australia attended and provided emergency first aid. Sadly, the 41-year-old woman was declared deceased at the scene. The death is being investigated by Major Crime detectives; early indication is the death is not suspicious.”
Tributes from Friends and Legal Team
Giuffre’s long-time publicist, Dini von Mueffling, described her as “one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the honour to know”. Her lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, said: “Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring. The world has lost an amazing human being today.”
Recent Struggles and Public Absence
She was believed to have separated from her husband and had reportedly been hospitalised after a serious car accident earlier this year. She was also facing court proceedings in Western Australia over a restraining order matter, with a plea hearing scheduled for June.
Need Support?
If you’re struggling, you can contact Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected]. Young people can contact PAPYRUS’ HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 or text 88247.
