Suicide or murder
Virginia Giuffre, a notable victim of the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein who also claimed she was sexually trafficked to Prince Andrew, has passed away at 41.On Saturday, her family released a statement affirming that she ended her own life at her farm in Western Australia, where she had resided for several years.“It is with completely shattered hearts that we inform you that Virginia died last night at her farm in Western Australia.” “She took her own life after enduring a lifetime of sexual abuse and sex trafficking,” the statement said.
“Ultimately, the burden of abuse is so immense that it became too much for Virginia to bear.”
Giuffre was one of the most outspoken victims of Epstein, claiming she was groomed and sexually assaulted by him and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, starting in her teenage years.
The family characterized her as a “fearless fighter” against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and a “beacon that elevated countless survivors.”
“Even with all the challenges she encountered in her life, she radiated brilliantly.” “They expressed that her absence will be felt deeply.”
Giuffre leaves behind her three children, Christian, Noah, and Emily, described by her family as the “light of her life.”
“It was in the moment she cradled her infant daughter that Virginia understood she needed to stand up against those who had harmed her and countless others,” they stated.
“Words cannot capture the profound sorrow we experience today with the loss of our dear Virginia.” Her bravery was remarkable, and she will forever be remembered for her amazing courage and affectionate nature.
Giuffre’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, said she was “much more than a client”.
“She was a dear friend and an incredible champion for other victims. Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring,” McCawley said. “The world has lost an amazing human being today. Rest in peace, my sweet angel.”
Giuffre’s representative Dini von Mueffling said she was “one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the honour to know”.
“Deeply loving, wise, and funny, she was a beacon to other survivors and victims. She adored her children and many animals,” she said. “She was always more concerned with me than with herself. I will miss her beyond words. It was the privilege of a lifetime to represent her.”
Josh Schiffer, a lawyer who represents one of Epstein’s victims, said Giuffre was integral to exposing the financier. “The case wouldn’t have existed without the input, her cooperation, her bravery at the beginning, inspiring so many other people to come forward,” he told the US cable network NewsNation.
Schiffer said: “Her loss will hopefully be a marker and almost an inspiration for people to calling attention to the epidemic that is sex trafficking, that is the international sex industry. This is an issue that still persists. It changes its form all the time and it exists all around the world. This just happened to be a really prominent example.”
Western Australia police did not publicly confirm Giuffre had died, but said emergency services responded to reports a 41-year-old woman was unresponsive at a home in Neergabby, about 75km (46 miles) north of Perth, about 9.50pm on Friday.
The woman was given emergency first aid but was pronounced dead, they said.The death will be investigated but is not considered suspicious.
Earlier this month, Giuffre posted on social media that she had just days to live after a school bus crashed into her car.
WA police later confirmed a 41-year-old woman had been in a car that collided with a bus on 24 March but there were no reported injuries. It is understood Giuffre presented to a Perth hospital emergency department on 1 April.
