VIRGINIA GIUFFRE, PROMINENT JEFFREY EPSTEIN AND PRINCE ANDREW ACCUSER, DIES BY SUICIDE

VIRGINIA GIUFFRE, a key figure in the cases against the late financier JEFFREY EPSTEIN and PRINCE ANDREW, has died by suicide, according to reports. The 41-year-old, who accused both men of sexual abuse when she was a minor, passed away at her farm in Neergabby, Western Australia, where she had been residing.

Giuffre gained international attention after filing a lawsuit in New York in 2021, alleging she was coerced into sexual encounters with Prince Andrew on three occasions between 1999 and 2002 while underage. Her case was one of the most high-profile in the Epstein scandal, which exposed a network of abuse and exploitation linked to the disgraced financier.

In a statement to NBC News, Giuffre’s family expressed profound grief, saying, “It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce that Virginia passed away last night. She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.” They hailed her as “a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking” and described her as “the light that lifted so many survivors.” The family added, “In the end, the toll of abuse became unbearable for Virginia to handle.”

Born in Florida, Giuffre claimed she was recruited at age 16 by Epstein’s associate, GHISLAINE MAXWELL, to work for Epstein. Her allegations against Maxwell, Epstein, and Prince Andrew played a pivotal role in shedding light on the widespread abuse orchestrated by Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Maxwell was later convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

Giuffre’s death has reignited discussions about the long-term impact of sexual abuse and trafficking on survivors. Advocacy groups and supporters have called for increased mental health resources for victims of similar trauma. As the legal battles surrounding Epstein’s abuses continue, Giuffre’s legacy as a courageous advocate for survivors remains a focal point.

For further details, visit [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com) and explore the [Jeffrey Epstein case timeline](https://www.foxnews.com).