Reality TV
‘RHONJ’ Star Milania Giudice Mourns BFF Victoria Zardoya, 20, After Tragic Death
Milania Giudice is remembering her longtime friend, Victoria Zardoya, after her sudden death.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 20, took to her Instagram Stories over the weekend to share photos of herself and Victoria, 20, over the years, including a sweet photo of the pair as children, in which the longtime friends sport matching “BFF” arm tattoos.
While Milania — who pleaded not guilty after being arrested on domestic violence charges in May following an alleged altercation with someone believed to be her stepdad,Luis “Louie” Ruelas — has yet to pen a post of her own, she reposted a string of heartfelt tributes to Victoria, along with a post with a quote that read: “Now I have to remember you for longer than I have known you.”
The posts come after Milania’s dad, Joe Giudice, revealed on Sunday, July 26, that Victoria had tragically died following what he described as a “simple fall.”
In a lengthy Instagram tribute, Joe, 54, said Victoria had become like part of his own family after growing up alongside Milania.
“There are no words for this kind of pain,” Joe began. “Victoria, you were like a daughter to me. I watched you grow up with my daughter Milania. We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can’t believe you’re gone.”
While he didn’t go into detail about Victoria’s death, Joe revealed that the fall happened while the 20-year-old was “being young and having fun.”
He continued, “To think that a simple fall while just being young and having fun could take such a beautiful life is heartbreaking. You were only 20 years old, with your whole future ahead of you.”
“Life is so fragile. In one moment, everything can change. Please don’t take a single day or the people you love for granted,” Joe added.
After reminding his fans and followers just how short life can be, the former reality TV personality shared a parting message for Victoria and her family: “Victoria, you will be missed more than you’ll ever know. You’ll always have a place in our hearts, and I’ll never forget you.”
“My heart is with your family. Rest in peace, beautiful girl. Until we meet again,” Joe said, ending the emotional post.
Milania’s mom, Teresa Giudice, also publicly honored Victoria, commenting beneath Joe’s post: “Forever in our hearts.”
In addition to reposting a few tributes to the young woman, Teresa, 54, shared a photo from what appeared to be a church service on her own Instagram Stories.
“We love Victoria,” the longtime Bravolebrity, who is set to return for RHONJ‘s 15th season, wrote alongside the photo.
Fans of the Giudice family also offered their condolences, sending love to both Victoria’s family and friends, as well as to Milania.
