Epstein Victim Who Testified Against Ghislaine Maxwell Has Died—and Her Family Wants Answers

"Unanswered Questions Surround Epstein Victim's Mysterious Death After Maxwell Trial"

Carolyn Andriano, a victim of sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein whose testimony was crucial to putting away his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, has passed away.

There was no official obituary or funeral service following her death earlier this year. The West Palm Beach, Florida, police initiated an investigation into her untimely demise. Police spokesperson Mike Jachles revealed that the investigation was nearing its conclusion and attributed Carolyn's death to an accidental overdose.

Carolyn, a 36-year-old mother of five, had been on the cusp of embarking on a new life in North Carolina, residing in a new home with a fireplace and a half-acre lot complete with a chicken coop. Carolyn and her husband, John Pitts, had recently acquired the property, but tragedy struck when she was discovered unresponsive in a West Palm Beach hotel room on May 23.

Before her passing, her mother, Dorothy Groenert, shared, "She was ecstatic, she was all set up for a whole new lifestyle." Groenert found Carolyn's death shocking because her daughter had been actively working on rebuilding her life. In fact, Carolyn had recently texted her mother about her sobriety and newfound freedom from drugs and alcohol.

Groenert is deeply troubled by certain aspects of Carolyn's overdose and seeks further investigation by the police. However, Jachles stated that Carolyn's case would be officially closed this week. Pitts provided a statement to the officers, explaining that Carolyn had been using drugs. He also mentioned that Carolyn's brother had rushed to the hotel after Pitts notified Groenert of Carolyn's passing. Pitts attempted to administer CPR and received guidance over the phone from a 911 operator, as per Jachles.

"I begged them, I sent them numerous messages. I've asked for them to make meetings, contact me, and to no avail," Groenert expressed, insisting that the police investigation should remain open.

Groenert is currently entangled in a legal dispute with Pitts over Carolyn's will, which was filed in 2010, predating her marriage to Pitts. The will had originally designated her estate to be inherited by her mother and two eldest children, thereby excluding Pitts and their three children. Despite receiving substantial settlements related to Epstein, Carolyn's probate court records indicated she had $183,000 in a bank account. Additional unidentified assets were listed in the form of JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank class action settlements, potentially amounting to $290 million and $75 million, respectively. These settlements are expected to provide significant payouts to the victims.

Since Carolyn's passing, he has posted tributes to her on Facebook and mourned the loss for his family. "You showed me what love really is, and I will never forget how big your heart is," Pitts wrote in June, adding, "I know our souls will always be attached together."

"I will do right by you because I know what you really wanted in life, to give our kids the life we never had... I miss you so much, no words can say, just know I will give our kids the best life that I can..."

While Pitts remains unreachable, his sister Serena conveyed that the insinuations of Carolyn's death being suspicious are "ridiculous."

"Right now, our family is grieving the loss of Carolyn and prioritizing the care of her children. At this time, we kindly appreciate space and privacy," she added in a text.

While the cause or manner of death has not been officially disclosed, a toxicology report reveals that Carolyn had methadone, fentanyl, and alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax) in her system at the time of her death.

Carolyn was one of four victims who testified at the Maxwell trial in December 2021, recounting the British socialite's inappropriate advances and her connection to Epstein's activities. She testified using only her first name but later identified herself to the Daily Mail after Maxwell's conviction. In an interview with the tabloid, Carolyn spoke of Pitts' unwavering support throughout the trial and her determination to bring Maxwell to justice.

In the months leading up to the high-profile trial, Carolyn and Pitts purchased a home in Wellington, Florida, but subsequently sold it and acquired a new residence in North Carolina. Legal proceedings indicate that Pitts sought to invalidate Carolyn's 2010 will, alleging that Carolyn had requested its revocation. Furthermore, Pitts claimed that they purchased the new home with plans to relocate after the academic school year concluded.

Groenert's legal team has also challenged Pitts' actions, leading to a dispute over the administration of Carolyn's estate. It is expected that her estate will receive substantial settlement payouts from Jeffrey Epstein's funds, along with potential additional class-action lawsuit settlements paid to her estate in the future.

Carolyn's death has left her family distraught, seeking answers, and entangled in legal disputes. The circumstances surrounding her untimely passing continue to raise questions and concerns that demand further investigation.