Norwegian Diplomat’s Son Dies by Suicide Amid Expanding Epstein Investigation

Edward Juul Rød-Larsen, 25, was found dead in his Oslo apartment on 1 April 2026. The son of former UN Deputy Secretary-General Terje Rød-Larsen and former Norwegian ambassador Mona Juul, his death was ruled a suicide. It occurred two days after Norwegian and French police announced a joint probe into his parents’ alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Political heir, 25, who was left $5m in Jeffrey Epstein's will kills himself just days after investigation into parents was launchedNew York PostNewsweek

Terje Rød-Larsen served as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and headed the International Peace Institute (IPI). Mona Juul was State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later ambassador to Jordan and Iraq. Both were instrumental in the 1990s Oslo Accords that sought to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a process later dramatized in the Broadway musical *Oslo*.

Political heir, 25, who was left $5m in Jeffrey Epstein's will kills himself just days after investigation into parents was launched

Norwegian prosecutors opened investigations for “aggravated corruption” and “complicity in aggravated corruption.” The inquiry focuses on whether gifts, services and payments received from Epstein constitute bribes, and whether any of those benefits were transferred to the Rød-Larsen children. French authorities joined the investigation in February 2026, expanding the scope to potential cross-border financial misconduct.

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U.S. Department of Justice documents released in 2022 reference more than 3,100 pages mentioning Terje Rød-Larsen. The files allege a $250,000 payment to him in 2015 and record that Epstein’s will earmarked $10 million for Edward and his twin sister Emma—$5 million each—though the family says the bequest has never been paid. Additional records suggest Rød-Larsen drafted letters of recommendation to secure U.S. visas for young Russian women on Epstein’s behalf.

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Both parents have denied wrongdoing. Terje Rød-Larsen’s lawyer, John Christian Elden, said his client “has previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein and has clearly distanced himself from Epstein’s actions.” Mona Juul, who resigned as ambassador in February, acknowledged that her description of contact with Epstein as “minimal” was imprecise but maintained that any interaction was private and unrelated to official duties. The family’s legal team described the media environment as “relentless” and “speculative.”

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Legal representatives warned that “speculating on connections is both irresponsible and undignified,” emphasizing that suicide is a complex phenomenon with no single cause. They argued that public curiosity had shifted from legitimate inquiry to character assassination, eroding empathy for those involved.

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Sources differ on the exact bequest: some cite $5 million per child, others a total of $10 million. The family asserts no money was received, while the DOJ files do not confirm disbursement. NY Post reports that the Rød-Larsen family visited Epstein’s Little Saint James island with their children in 2011—a claim not corroborated by other outlets. Additionally, the DOJ indicated Rød-Larsen was briefly appointed executor of Epstein’s will, a detail later revoked.

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• “'Rod-Larsen has previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein and has clearly distanced himself from Epstein's actions,' Rod-Larsen's lawyer, John Christian Elden, said in a statement in February.” — John Christian Elden, attorney

Political heir, 25, who was left $5m in Jeffrey Epstein's will kills himself just days after investigation into parents was launched

• “It stands in the shadow of months of a public spotlight that has long since ceased to be critical, and which has instead become suspicious, speculative and at times limitless.” — Thomas Skjelbred & John Christian Elden

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• “We all loved it!” — Terje Rød-Larsen, email describing a visit to Epstein’s island

New York Post

Norwegian prosecutors have indicated that the investigation will continue to examine financial transactions, visa-related correspondence, and any undisclosed gifts. Both Norwegian and French authorities may seek court orders for additional documents from the U.S. Justice Department. The outcome could affect the reputations of several high-profile Norwegian officials linked to the Oslo peace process.

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