Virginia Giuffre's full family statement as Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser dies by suicide aged 41

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

The family of Virginia Giuffre have released a statement after she died by suicide at the age of 41.

Her publicist confirmed that she died yesterday (25 April) at her home in Australia, and Western Australia Police said they were called to a property where the 41-year-old was found unresponsive.

Officers said in a statement: "The death is being investigated by Major Crime detectives; early indication is the death is not suspicious."

Giuffre was a prominent voice in speaking out against Jeffrey Epstein, alleging that he and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her when she was 17.

She accused Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her in a case that was settled out of court for £12 million, with the Duke of York denying the allegations and making no admission of guilt.

Virginia Giuffre died by suicide on Friday, 25 April (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The family of Virginia Giuffre have released a statement following the announcement of her death.

They 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 light of her life were her children Christian, Noah, and Emily.

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

Giuffre's family said she would be 'missed beyond measure' (Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"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."

Weeks before her death, Giuffre had posted a picture of herself to social media saying she had 'four days to live' after being hit by a bus.

In a statement she gave after the crash, she said: "I was able to fight back against Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein who, abused and trafficked me... I can no longer stay silent.

"Again, I thank everyone for their support. I have faith that justice will prevail."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.