Toxicology Findings After the Death of Victoria Zardoya
Victoria Zardoya, the 20-year-old best friend of Milania Giudice, had ketamine and norketamine in her system at the time of her fatal fall in July 2026, TMZ reported. Medical examiner records obtained by the outlet show that Zardoya’s toxicology results also identified alcohol and etomidate, a medication used for sedation.
The blood samples were collected on July 24, the same day Zardoya suffered injuries while exploring the historic Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key, Florida. The medical examiner’s report, as documented by TMZ, does not establish why the substances were in her system or whether they contributed to the fall.
Medical Examiner’s Findings on the Fatal Fall
The medical examiner ruled Zardoya’s death an accident. The official cause of death is listed as craniocerebral trauma. The autopsy report documented extensive injuries, including skull fractures and bleeding around the brain.
Zardoya died on July 26, two days after the incident. Her friend, Victoria Silberbusch, previously stated that the group present during the excursion attempted to assist Zardoya immediately following the fall, according to TMZ.
Personal Impact on Milania Giudice
Victoria Zardoya and Milania Giudice, the daughter of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice, maintained a lifelong friendship. Following the loss, Giudice honored her friend with a tattoo reading "Baby V."
Questions Regarding the Investigation
Was the cause of death linked to the substances found in the toxicology report?
The medical examiner’s report does not establish a causal link between the ketamine, alcohol, or etomidate and the fall itself. The death was officially ruled an accident resulting from craniocerebral trauma.
What is the significance of norketamine in the toxicology results?
Norketamine is a substance created by the body as it metabolizes ketamine. Its presence indicates that ketamine had been ingested or administered prior to the blood sample collection on July 24.
Are there details regarding how the fall occurred?
Zardoya was exploring the historic Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key with friends when the accident happened. While the group attempted to provide aid, she ultimately succumbed to her injuries two days later.
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