Norwegian diplomat’s son dies by suicide amid Epstein inheritance scrutiny

A 26-year-old Norwegian man at the centre of global media attention over his ties to the Jeffrey Epstein case has died by suicide, his family’s legal representatives confirmed Thursday, according to a statement obtained by Dagbladet.

Edward Juul Rød-Larsen, the son of prominent diplomats Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul, was found dead late Wednesday. His death follows months of intense public and media scrutiny linked to his status as a named heir in Epstein’s estate documents.

In a statement issued by Oslo-based law firm Elden, attorneys John Christian Elden and Thomas Skjelbred condemned what they described as “relentless speculation” surrounding the family, emphasising the irreversible loss for the parents.

“Two parents have lost their son. No matter who you are, no matter what life you have lived, there is one pain that surpasses all others: losing your child. That pain cannot be measured, explained, or fully shared,” the statement read. It criticised months of media coverage that “long ago ceased to be critical and instead became accusatory, speculative, and at times boundless,” dragging the family’s children into “the merciless machinery of public exposure.”

The attorneys argued that while scrutiny of power is legitimate in a democracy, the line had been crossed into “character assassination,” where “public curiosity turns to speculation” and lives are reduced to “headlines and insinuations.” They highlighted the particular vulnerability of the couple’s children, who “never sought attention, had no influence over their parents’ positions, and no control over the documents or narratives recirculated globally.”

Dagbladet defended its decision to report the cause of death, citing the “extensive public interest” in the case following the release of Epstein-related documents naming Juul Rød-Larsen as an heir. The paper noted his central role in a story of “global significance” but acknowledged the family’s grief.

The statement concluded by condemning the disconnect between legal principles—where guilt must be proven—and public discourse, where “allegations, context-free documents, and unchallenged conclusions” dominate, leaving no opportunity for response or correction.

Support resources

Norwegian authorities urge those in crisis to contact emergency services (dial 113) or mental health support lines, including:
– Mental Helse (24/7 phone/online support): 116 123 or [sidetmedord.no](https://sidetmedord.no)
– Kirkens SOS (24/7 helpline/chat): 22 40 00 40 or [kirkens-sos.no](https://kirkens-sos.no)