The distraught family of Virginia Giuffre have shared a sad final photo of the sex trafficking survivor who took her own life overnight.
Ms Giuffre was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein, who took his own life in jail before he could stand trial, and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. She alleged they trafficked her to Prince Andrew when she was 17, a claim which the Duke of York has vehemently denied. In a statement, her heartbroken relatives called her “a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse”, after she took her life at her farm in Neergabby, Western Australia .
Her brother, Danny Wilson, shared a sweet final photo of Ms Giuffre after news of the tragedy was broken. She can be seen sitting with Danny and another man, who is believed to be her older brother Sky.
Danny Wilson earlier told NBC News she “pushed so hard to snuff the evil out” of the world. He added: “Her biggest push was, ‘If I don’t do this, nobody’s going to do it. She was in real physical pain — suffered from renal failure. But I think the mental pain was worse.”
Earlier the family said in a statement: “It is with utterly broken hearts we announce Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia. She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
“Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight.”
Ms Giuffre, a mother of three, claimed she was sexually abused by Prince Andrew at the behest of Epstein’s associate, jailed British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, when she was 17. The Duke of York has denied these allegations, as has Maxwell – who is a convicted sex offender .
Born in Sacramento, California, Ms Giuffre was one of the earliest voices calling for criminal charges against Epstein. The campaigner also provided critical information to law enforcement, which contributed to the investigation into and later the conviction of Maxwell.
Her publicist, Dini von Mueffling, said in a statement: “Deeply loving, wise and funny, she was a beacon to other survivors and victims. She adored her children and many animals.
“She was always more concerned with me than with herself. I will miss her beyond words. It was the privilege of a lifetime to represent her.”
While being held on sex trafficking charges, Epstein, 66, took his own life in a New York jail in August 2019. The sex offender, said to have had more than 200 victims, was found unresponsive in his cell in the Manhattan clink.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email ** jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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