Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein ‘s most notorious victims of sexual abuse and one who testified for his imprisonment, has been found dead. Her family confirmed the news to NBC News on Friday night, stating that she had taken her own life. The 41-year-old woman lived in Northern, Australia, and had been suffering from severe depression for several months.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Virginia passed away last night on her farm in Western Australia,” her family said in a statement, adding, “She took her own life after being a victim of sexual abuse and human trafficking her entire life.”
They also noted that Giuffre was a pivotal figure in the fight against sexual abuse and human trafficking, and that she was a shining light for other survivors to move forward.
Giuffre was one of the first voices calling for criminal charges against Epstein and others involved. She also provided crucial information to law enforcement that contributed to the investigation and subsequent conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, the businessman’s partner, who was found guilty of five counts of sex trafficking in 2021 for recruiting minors for abuse.
Danny Wilson, the victim’s brother, told NBC News that she “pushed really hard to end evil in the world,” adding, “Her biggest motivation was, ‘If I don’t do this, nobody will.’ She was in severe physical pain; she was in kidney failure. But I think the mental pain was worse.”
Giuffre had a complicated life, even in her childhood. She said that as a child, she was abused by a family friend, which led her to live on the streets for a time during her adolescence.
Giuffre’s inner circle asserted that she will always be remembered as a fighter. Sigrid McCawley, her attorney, called her a “dear friend” and described her as “an incredible advocate for other victims.” “Her courage drove me to fight harder, and her strength was astounding,” she added. Meanwhile, her representative, Dini von Mueffling, said: “Virginia was one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the honor of knowing.”
In her statements to the Epstein investigation, Giuffre revealed that the billionaire sexually abused her between 1999 and 2002 and that he also trafficked her to some of his powerful friends, including Prince Andrew —son of Queen Elizabeth II—and French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
“I wanted Brunel to know that he no longer has power over me. That I am now a grown woman and I have decided to hold him accountable for what he did to me and so many others,” she stressed.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Giuffre was involved in a “serious” traffic accident in Australia, which resulted in her hospitalisation. She then posted an alarming message on Instagram alongside a photo of her facial injuries and bruises.
“I have kidney failure, I’ve been given four days to live, and I’ve been transferred to a urology hospital. I’m ready to go, but not until I see my children for the last time,” she wrote.
Giuffre was married and had three children: Christian, Noah, and Emily.
