As members of the group “immediately began climbing down” to help Zardoya, she said others called 911 and helped first responders locate them.

“We stayed with Victoria and held her, trying to make her as comfortable as possible while we waited for first responders to arrive,” Silberbusch added. “Paramedics responded by boat, and a medical helicopter was eventually able to transport her to the hospital after an incredibly difficult rescue.”

Milania, 20, has since held a celebration of life for Zardoya, who she said was a friend who could “walk into a room and light up the entire place.”

“Victoria was genuinely the life of the party,” Milania wrote on Instagram Sept. 10. “She loved being surrounded by her friends, having fun, listening to music, going to concerts, going to Tampa, and making memories.”

And after a friendship that stood the test of time, she added, “We got to grow up together, and I will always be grateful for every memory we made.”

For a look back at Milania’s friendship with Zardoya over the years, keep reading…