Virginia Giuffre, who alleged Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Epstein sex trafficking case, has passed away.

Virginia Giuffre, a prominent advocate against sexual abuse and trafficking, has passed away at the age of 41 in Western Australia. Her death, confirmed by her publicist, was reported to be a suicide. Giuffre became known for her allegations against the late Jeffrey Epstein and others, including Prince Andrew, claiming they had exploited her when she was a teenager.

Giuffre emerged as a key figure in the Epstein scandal, which resulted in a wider public discourse around sexual trafficking. Epstein, a former financier, was arrested on numerous charges related to sex trafficking of minors but died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial. Over the years, Giuffre’s accusations and public stance helped bring attention to the plight of trafficking victims, illustrating the profound impact of her advocacy work.

Her family released a statement highlighting Giuffre’s role as a “fierce warrior” in the fight against sexual abuse, noting her enduring spirit and dedication to helping survivors. Giuffre’s publicist also described her as a compassionate individual who cared deeply for her family and friends, emphasizing the personal connections she forged throughout her life.

Originally from the United States, Giuffre had spent significant time in Australia, where she continued to champion causes related to sexual abuse and trafficking. She came forward as a survivor after a legal deal allowed Epstein to avoid more serious federal charges, seeking to shed light on her experiences as a young woman allegedly coerced into various sexual encounters by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

In legal proceedings, she accused Maxwell of grooming her and introducing her to influential associates, including Prince Andrew. While the prince and others have denied her allegations, some aspects of her claims were substantiated by documents and witness accounts. Giuffre’s persistence led to a settlement with Andrew in February 2022, during which he acknowledged her status as a victim of abuse.

In recent years, Giuffre faced personal challenges, including a separation from her husband and an upcoming court appearance for a domestic violence-related charge. She had also suffered injuries from an accident that required hospitalization. Despite these difficulties, Giuffre continued her advocacy work, founding the charity SOAR in 2015 to support fellow survivors.

Giuffre’s passing has elicited a profound response from those who knew her and those inspired by her advocacy. Many have expressed their sorrow and gratitude for her contributions to raising awareness on issues of sexual abuse and trafficking. Her legacy as a voice for the voiceless continues to resonate, reminding society of the enduring impact individuals can have on the fight for justice and healing within the realm of sexual violence.

She is survived by her three children, who her family described as the “light of her life.” The impact of her loss is felt not only by her loved ones but also by the broader community of survivors that she inspired and fought for during her lifetime.