Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre, 41, dies by suicide, family says Virginia Giuffre, who was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein as a teenager and claimed she was sexually abused by Prince Andrew, has died (Image: BBC/AFP via Getty Images ) Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse who "pushed so hard to snuff the evil out of the world", has tragically died, her family confirmed today. Described as "a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse" by her devastated relatives, Virginia took her own life at her farm in Neergabby, Western Australia. ‌ As a teenager, she was trafficked by Epstein and also alleged that she was sexually abused by Prince Andrew - claims which the Royal has vehemently denied. Article continues below In a statement released today, Virginia's family said: "It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce that 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 that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight." The statement was sent to NBC News, which highlighted how Virginia's bravery inspired abuse survivors everywhere to speak out. The 41 year old woman gained prominence when she bravely came forward with her allegations, demanding charges be brought against the late financier Epstein, reports the Mirror. ‌ Danny Wilson mourned his sister's passing by telling NBC News she "pushed so hard to snuff the evil out" of the world. He also said: "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 that the mental pain was worse." Publicist Dini von Mueffling paid tribute in a heartfelt 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." ‌ Jeffrey Epstein, 66, who faced sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019. He was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Manhattan correctional facility. Virginia, survived by three children, had accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse when she was 17, allegedly instigated by Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender linked to Epstein. The Duke of York has unequivocally denied these accusations, as has Maxwell. Virginia, from Sacramento, California, was among the first to demand criminal charges be brought against Epstein and his accomplices. Her invaluable contributions to law enforcement aided in the investigation that ultimately led to Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction; she is reportedly now locked away in a "rat-infested" prison serving her 20-year sentence given in 2021. ‌ (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images ) Virginia alleges she was a victim of abuse by Epstein, beginning in 1999 when she was only 16 and lasting three years. Epstein, a wealthy financier with numerous influential connections, counted Prince Andrew among his circle of powerful friends. Despite stepping down from Royal duties amid controversy over his ties to Epstein, the 65 year old duke has consistently refuted allegations of having sexual relations with Virginia. ‌ In November 2019, Prince Andrew announced: "It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family's work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support. "Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission. I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein." Recently, Virginia took to Instagram, posting hospital bed images following a car crash, where she was reportedly told by doctors that she had only days left to live. She explained that her vehicle was struck by a school bus moving at 110km/h (68mph), resulting in kidney failure. Article continues below One of the distressing images displayed bruising to her face and chest. Virginia had to be hospitalised for about a week for treatment due to the injuries sustained in the mishap near Perth, Australia. In a harrowing social media update at that time, Virginia described having "the worst start to a new year", according to her attorney, who mentioned to journalists that she was dealing with "a very bad situation".