Virginia Giuffre’s heartbreaking family statement in full after Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser dies aged 41

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THE heartbroken family of Virginia Giuffre have described her as a “fierce warrior” in their full statement following her death.

The mum-of-three, who was sex trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein as a teenager, died at her home in Western Australia last night.

Woman holding a photo of a younger woman.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, pictured with a photo of herself as a teen, has died at the age of 41[/caption]

Prince Andrew with his daughter and ex-wife.

Virginia’s brother Danny Wilson (right) paid tribute to his sister with a photo of the pair and another man[/caption]

In a touching tribute, the 41-year-old’s family said: “Giuffre 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.

“Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure.”

The statement then spoke about how becoming a mum for the first time made Virginia realise how important her voice was.

Virginia was known as one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

She alleged they trafficked her to the Duke of York when she was 17.

In a lawsuit made by Virginia she claimed she had sex with Andrew on three occasions – a claim Andrew has denied.

The family went on to say: “The light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily.

“It was when she held her newborn daughter in her arms that Virginia realised she had to fight back against those who had abused her and so many others.

“There are no words that can express the grave loss we feel today with the passing of our sweet Virginia.

“She was heroic and will always be remembered for her incredible courage and loving spirit.

“In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight. We know that she is with the angels.”

You're Not Alone

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide

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If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: