- Donike Gocaj, 56, died after falling into an uncovered utility manhole in Midtown Manhattan on Monday night.
- The incident occurred near West 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue after she exited her parked Mercedes-Benz SUV.
- Con Edison is investigating the circumstances surrounding the open manhole and the absence of safety barriers.
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NEW YORK — Days after a New York woman was killed during a birthday trip to Jamaica, another New York family is facing a sudden tragedy. This time, 56-year-old Donike Gocaj of Briarcliff Manor died after stepping out of her parked Mercedes-Benz SUV and falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan.
The fall happened just before 11:20 p.m. Monday near West 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Police said Gocaj stepped out of her vehicle and fell directly into the uncovered Con Edison utility hole.
Woman Fell About 10 Feet
Officials said Gocaj fell about 10 feet into the manhole. First responders arrived and found her unconscious and unresponsive inside the opening.
She was pulled out and rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her family identified her Tuesday. Loved ones told Eyewitness News they are deeply saddened and extremely shocked by what happened. They described Gocaj as a loving mother to a son and daughter, and a loving grandmother to two grandchildren.
Family Wants Answers
Gocaj’s family is now asking how something like this could happen in the middle of Manhattan.
Con Edison said it is investigating why the manhole was left uncovered. According to WABC, no construction was going on at the time, and the manhole cover was found about 15 feet away from the opening.
In a statement, Con Edison said it was deeply saddened by the death and that safety remains its top priority. The company said it is actively investigating how the manhole was left open.
Investigation Continues
Police said the case remains under investigation. The medical examiner will determine Gocaj’s official cause of death.
For now, her family is waiting for answers about how an uncovered manhole was left in such a busy part of Midtown, and why there were no clear barriers preventing someone from falling in.
To view more cases involving tragic accidents, unsafe public spaces, and sudden deaths in everyday places, check out our video here:
