Autopsy reveals cause of death for woman who fell down Manhattan manhole
ABC7 New York • • general
Key Points:
- Donike Gocaj, 56, died after stepping out of her car into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan, falling about 10 feet and suffering scald burns, inhalation thermal injury, and blunt force trauma; her death was ruled accidental.
- ConEd's review of video footage indicated that a multi-axle truck dislodged the manhole cover minutes before Gocaj parked and stepped out of her vehicle.
- Witnesses reported that Gocaj fell immediately after exiting her car and was rescued after about 20 minutes but was pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
- Gocaj's family expressed deep shock and sorrow, emphasizing her role as a loving mother and grandmother, and are seeking answers about the incident.
- The Mayor's Office and city agencies are cooperating with ConEd to investigate the incident fully, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.