Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse as part of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, died by apparent suicide at age 41, prompting her grieving family to release a handwritten letter in which she urged victims to "stand together to fight for the future of victims."
Giuffre, a mother of three and founder of the anti-trafficking SOAR Foundation, was found unresponsive at her remote farmhouse north of Perth, Australia. Her family said she took her own life after enduring years of torment, though her lawyer questioned that account, stating there were "no signs" she intended to end her life in the days prior.
The note, shared on social media Tuesday by her sister-in-law Amanda Roberts, read: "Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers need to show the battle lines are drawn, and we stand together to fight for the future of victims. Is protesting the answer? I don't know. But we've got to start somewhere." Roberts added, "Her voice will not be silenced."
Giuffre's family described her as a "fierce warrior" who fought tirelessly against sexual abuse and trafficking. "Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright," her relatives said in a statement. "The light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily."
Virginia Giuffre became globally known for her legal action against Prince Andrew, Duke of York, whom she accused of sexually abusing her on three occasions when she was 17 and being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew denied the claims but settled out of court in 2022 for an undisclosed amount. Buckingham Palace later stripped the prince of his military roles and patronages.
In the weeks before her death, Giuffre posted a photo from a hospital bed, claiming she had been hit by a school bus and was told she had "four days to live." The Western Australia Police Force later stated the crash had resulted in no reported injuries and was deemed "minor." Giuffre's family disputed that, telling the Mirror she had been in serious condition following the incident.
Roberts, married to Giuffre's brother Sky, pledged to continue her advocacy. "To all survivors and those protesting-we stand with you in solidarity and know the fight is not over!" she wrote on Facebook, alongside a photo of the letter.
Danny Wilson, another brother of Giuffre, posted personal images of them together in happier times, writing, "Rest now angel, we will carry your legacy."
Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender accused of running a global trafficking operation, was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. Giuffre was among the most prominent voices in holding his associates to account, and her settlement with Prince Andrew remains one of the most high-profile outcomes of the case.
Prince Andrew has not commented publicly on Giuffre's death.
