Funds are being raised for a charity to honor a Florida college student who died after reportedly fallingwhile at an abandoned military site with friends.
The act is to remember Victoria Zardoya’s “beautiful life and the incredible compassion she showed every day,” according to a GoFundMe account.
The 20-year-old University of Tampa student fell from a structure July 24 while with friends at Fort Dade on Egmont Key. She was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. Zardoya was pronounced dead July 27.
“On what should have been just another day exploring somewhere new, Victoria's life was tragically cut short after a devastating fall while visiting the historic ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key,” the GoFundMe stated. “Despite their tireless
efforts, Victoria's injuries were too severe, and her family was forced to say goodbye far sooner than anyone could have imagined.”
It also said Zardoya was an organ donor and “gave the ultimate gift of life, offering hope to others during her family's darkest moment. That selfless choice speaks so beautifully to the kind of person she was, someone whose love and compassion extended far beyond herself.”
The charity will be selected by Zardoya’s twin sister, Alexandra. As of Aug. 4, more than $10,000 had been raised.
Who was the Florida college student, Victoria Zardoya, who died at a tourist site?
Zardoya was born in New York City and grew up in Montville, New Jersey.
She was childhood friends with a daughter of Real Housewives of New Jersy star Teresa Guidice.
Teresa’s daughter Milania paid tribute to her longtime friend on social media reposting a message that read, “Please keep Victoria, her family, and everyone who loved her in your thoughts.”
Teresa also posted online stating on an Instagram story, “We love Victoria." She also shared a link to the GoFundMe account.
Where is Fort Dade on Egmont Key?
Located off the coast of Tampa, the fort was built in 1898 but has been shuttered since the early 1920s when a hurricane forced its closure.
Fort Dade is just south of Fort DeSoto Park. Egmont Key lies between Fort DeSoto and Anna Maria Island. Fort Dade is just south of Fort DeSoto.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Latest on death of Florida college student, friend of Real Housewife of NJ
