Disgraced British Royal Prince Andrew, once a close associate and friend of the late convicted billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has always adamantly disputed the allegations that he had been a participant in the alleged sexual abuse that Epstein perpetrated against underage teenage girls and young women.

Now comes word that one of the most vocal accusers against Andrew and Epstein, alleged victim Virginia Giuffre, 41, has died by way of suicide, according to the BBC.

Andrew, who long denied Giuffre's repeated insistence that they'd had sex multiple times beginning when she was 17 -- though he did reportedly pay her millions of dollars to settle a lawsuit she'd filed several years ago -- has not publicly commented yet on her tragic death.

Giuffre dead by suicide, per family statement

People magazine reported that Giuffre's sudden death by her own hand was confirmed in a statement from her family, which stated bluntly, "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," the statement continued. "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."

"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," the family added. "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."

Giuffre was also mourned by her attorney, Sigrid McCawley, who said, "Virginia was much more than a client to me; she was a dear friend and an incredible champion for other victims," and added, "Her courage pushed me to fight harder, and her strength was awe-inspiring. The world has lost an amazing human being today. Rest in peace, my sweet angel."

Likewise, her longtime representative, Dini von Mueffling, said of Giuffre, "Virginia was one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever had the honor to know. 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."

Giuffre previously swore she was not suicidal

The BBC noted that the U.S.-born Giuffre, who has lived in Western Australia for many years with her husband and children, at least until a recent rumored separation, was said to have been found "unresponsive" at her farm in the small town of Neergabby on Friday, and first responders were unable to save her.

According to the local police, "The death is being investigated by Major Crime detectives; early indication is the death is not suspicious."

Not everybody is willing to accept that claim of suicide, however, particularly in light of a bold statement Giuffre made in 2019 that seemingly forever disavowed any such attempts on her part to take her own life, per the New York Post.

A 2019 tweet from Giuffre that has since been resurfaced stated unequivocally, "I am making it publicly known that in no way, shape or form am I suicidal. I have made this known to my therapist and GP -- If something happens to me -- in the sake of my family do not let this go away and help me to protect them. Too many evil people want to see me [quieted]."

Did family problems prompt her alleged suicide?

So what, then, might have compelled Giuffre to take her own life after previously insisting she would never do so? Per the Post, it may have been the apparent dissolution of her family after more than 20 years of marriage to her husband, amid disputed allegations of domestic abuse, who reportedly remained at their home in Perth with their children while she moved to the small farming town about an hour away by herself.

Indeed, in a late-March Instagram post, Giuffre lamented, "My beautiful babies have no clue how much I love them and they’re being poisoned with lies. I miss them so very much," and added, "I have been through hell & back in my 41 years but this is incredibly hurting me worse than anything else. Hurt me, abuse me but don’t take my babies. My heart is shattered and every day that passes my sadness only deepens."