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Young Tourist Dies After Fall at Historic Florida Fort
28 Jul
Summary
- A 20-year-old woman died after falling from historic ruins.
- The incident occurred during a boating trip on Egmont Key.
- Paramedics responded by boat but the woman died two days later.
A boating excursion to Egmont Key in Florida turned tragic when 20-year-old Victoria Zardoya fell from the historic Fort Dade ruins. The incident occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Zardoya was visiting the remote island, accessible only by boat, with a group of friends. While exploring the historical structures, she sustained severe injuries from the fall, which friends described as "brutal."
Immediate assistance was provided by those present. After 911 was called and flares were deployed, paramedics reached the scene by boat. Zardoya was transported to a nearby hospital but sadly passed away from her injuries two days later, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed responding to an incident on Egmont Key that Friday evening. Zardoya was a close friend of Milania Guidice, daughter of reality television personality Teresa Guidice, whose family has shared tributes online.
