Overview
- Victoria Zardoya suffered a severe fall while exploring the Fort Dade ruins on Egmont Key and was reached by boat crews before a medical helicopter flew her to a hospital, where she later died.
- Family members and friends confirmed Zardoya chose to be an organ donor and said her donations will benefit up to eight recipients.
- A representative for the Manatee County Medical Examiner’s Office said the autopsy was postponed because of the organ-recovery process.
- Eyewitnesses described first thinking she had fallen a short distance, then realizing the drop was much greater as some friends climbed down to help and others called 911 and launched flares to guide rescuers.
- Close friends and public figures have posted tributes and held an honor walk at the hospital to mark the donation, and officials say further medical-legal procedures are pending after organ recovery.