Jackie Siegel, best known for her appearance in the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, is mourning the back-to-back losses of two close family members—her husband, billionaire David Siegel, and her younger sister, Jessica Mallery, who died just three days apart.
On April 5, 2025, Jackie’s husband David passed away at the age of 89 following a battle with cancer. David Siegel was the founder of Westgate Resorts, a major timeshare and hospitality company. His death marked the end of a powerful legacy in American business and real estate. Just as tributes began to pour in, the family was struck by another devastating blow.
Only three days later, on April 8, 2025, Jackie’s sister Jessica Mallery, 43, died from an accidental drug overdose involving cocaine laced with fentanyl, according to a statement from the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, a non-profit established by Jackie and David Siegel in memory of their daughter, Victoria Siegel, who tragically died of a similar overdose in 2015 at age 18.
A Family Haunted by Addiction Tragedy
Jessica Mallery’s untimely death highlights the ongoing fentanyl epidemic that continues to grip the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin, is increasingly being mixed with other substances such as cocaine and sold without users’ knowledge—resulting in fatal overdoses.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl was involved in over 70,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022 alone, and that number continues to rise.
Jackie Siegel issued a heartfelt statement through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, saying:
“My sister Jessica died of an accidental overdose. Cocaine laced with fentanyl. Just like my daughter, she had so much life left in her. We must end this crisis.”
The family has requested donations to the foundation in lieu of flowers, emphasizing their commitment to raising awareness about drug addiction and supporting preventive efforts. Donations can be made through the official Victoria’s Voice Foundation website.
The Loss of a Husband and a Sister
David Siegel, known for his sharp business mind and larger-than-life persona, was a controversial but influential figure in the American timeshare industry. His story was famously documented in The Queen of Versailles, a film that followed Jackie and David as they attempted to build one of the largest private homes in America—a 90,000-square-foot mansion modeled after the Palace of Versailles.
The couple shared eight children and had been married for 25 years. Despite their public persona, their personal life has been marked by grief, especially following their daughter’s death and now these latest tragedies.
In a statement following David’s death, Westgate Resorts said:
“David’s vision and leadership transformed the vacation experience for millions of families. He will be deeply missed.”
Drug Crisis in the U.S.: An Escalating Emergency
Fentanyl has become a leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S., surpassing even heroin and prescription opioids. Many overdoses occur when users unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced drugs, believing them to be safer substances. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued repeated warnings about the spread of illicitly manufactured fentanyl in recreational drugs.
For families like the Siegels, this crisis is all too personal. They have channeled their grief into advocacy, and the Victoria’s Voice Foundation has been instrumental in lobbying for drug prevention policies, school awareness programs, and emergency interventions like the distribution of Naloxone—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Naloxone is available in many states without a prescription and can be accessed through pharmacies and local health departments. For more information, visit CDC’s Naloxone resources page.
In Memory and Action
Jackie Siegel’s continued work through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation underscores the urgent need to address the overdose crisis in America. Her public grief is matched by a call to action—a desire that no other family should have to endure such devastating losses due to preventable drug-related deaths.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, confidential help is available 24/7 through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
