Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent voices in exposing Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring and a key accuser of Prince Andrew, has died by suicide at the age of 41, according to a statement from her family shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
Giuffre passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Neergabby, Australia, where she had been living with her family.
“Virginia lost her life to suicide after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking,” her family said. “She was a fierce warrior for survivors, a light for so many. Despite the pain she carried, she shone brightly. Her greatest joy was her children: Christian, Noah, and Emily.”
“It was when she first held her newborn daughter that Virginia realized she had to fight back against those who had hurt her,” the statement continued. “No words can capture the depth of our grief. Virginia was heroic. In the end, the weight of her trauma became unbearable. We know she is now with the angels.”
A Life Marked by Courage
Virginia Giuffre, born Virginia Roberts, became an international symbol of courage after going public with allegations against powerful figures linked to Epstein’s global trafficking operation.
She said she was just 16 years old when she was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell to work for Epstein. Over the next several years, Giuffre alleged she was groomed, trafficked, and forced to have sex with Epstein and other powerful men.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein’s crimes and is currently serving a 20-year sentence.
Allegations Against Prince Andrew
Giuffre became a key figure in the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew, Duke of York. In a 2021 lawsuit, she alleged that Prince Andrew sexually abused her on three occasions between 1999 and 2002, including at Epstein’s private Caribbean island, in London, and in New York.
Prince Andrew denied the allegations but ultimately settled the lawsuit out of court in February 2022 for an undisclosed amount. Despite his denials, the case significantly tarnished his reputation and led him to step back from royal public duties.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Virginia Giuffre’s advocacy extended far beyond her personal case. She founded Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
Her powerful public statements following the Maxwell verdict inspired countless others:
“Having lived with the horrors of Maxwell’s abuse, my heart goes out to the many girls and women whose lives were destroyed. Today is not the end, but another step in holding abusers accountable,” she said at the time.
Attorney Sigrid McCawley, who represented Giuffre, mourned her loss, saying, “Virginia was not only a courageous client but a dear friend. Her strength and heart pushed me to fight harder. The world has lost a truly extraordinary woman.”
Giuffre’s representative, Dini von Mueffling, added: “Virginia was a beacon to other survivors—loving, wise, funny, and fiercely compassionate. It was the privilege of my life to know and represent her.”
Remembering Virginia Giuffre
Virginia Giuffre leaves behind a legacy of bravery, resilience, and advocacy. Her death underscores the profound and lasting impact that trauma can have on survivors of abuse.
As tributes pour in from around the world, her story serves as a painful but powerful reminder that the fight for justice and healing is ongoing—and that those who step forward against impossible odds deserve not just our attention but our compassion.
