US family seeks answers after fatal fall into open Manhattan manhole
A New York woman tragically fell to her death after stepping into an open maintenance hole in Manhattan. The incident occurred late at night when Donike Gocaj, 56, exited her vehicle and slipped into the hole. Authorities are investigating how the maintenance hole was left uncovered and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- ▪Donike Gocaj fell approximately 10 feet into an open maintenance hole on Fifth Avenue.
- ▪She suffered cardiac arrest due to steam exposure and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
- ▪Con Edison is investigating the incident, as the maintenance hole cover was found nearby.
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Steam rises from a sewer as a man crosses 6th Avenue on 1 February 2019 in New York City. Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSteam rises from a sewer as a man crosses 6th Avenue on 1 February 2019 in New York City. Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Getty ImagesNew YorkUS family seeks answers after fatal fall into open Manhattan manholePolice say victim stepped from SUV into uncovered maintenance hole near Cartier building late at night Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Edward HelmoreTue 19 May 2026 15.50 EDTLast modified on Tue 19 May 2026 15.52 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe family of a New York woman is struggling for answers after the 56-year-old woman fell to her death upon stepping out of her car and slipping down an open maintenance hole…
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