A 56-year-old woman from Westchester tragically died after stepping out of her SUV and falling into an open manhole on a Midtown Manhattan street, police said Tuesday. Donike Gocaj, from Briarcliff Manor, was a Chase Bank supervisor in Midtown.
She had parked her Mercedes-Benz SUV on East 52nd Street near Fifth Avenue around 11:20 p.m. when she stepped out and fell into the uncovered manhole.
Her son, still grieving, told the Daily News, “I’m not giving any statements or comments at this time.”
Investigation into the Open Manhole
Con Edison said it is investigating the incident. Officials suggested that a heavy truck rolling over the manhole cover may have dislodged it. “We have reviewed video footage from the area which suggests that the cover was dislodged after a multi-axle truck turning onto 52nd Street from Fifth Avenue drove over it,” the utility said. “Approximately 12 minutes later, the person involved parked her car nearby.
While this is a rare occurrence, manhole covers can be displaced by heavy vehicles. Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority.”
Gocaj fell about 10 feet into the hole. Firefighters quickly removed her, and EMS rushed her to Cornell Weill Medical Center, where she later died. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Eyewitness Account
Carlton Wood, 36, who was on his way to work, witnessed the fall. “It was like she disappeared,” he said. “I saw her get out of her car, I seen her take a step forward, and then I didn’t see her anymore. That’s how quickly she just dropped into this hole. It was like those cartoons where they just vanish.”
Wood added that bystanders tried to rescue Gocaj before firefighters arrived. “One guy tried to go into the hole. He like, sat on the edge and dipped his body in, and we had to pull him back out. Somebody had a ladder, but it was too short.” He recalled hearing Gocaj screaming, repeatedly saying, “I’m dying.”
Community Reaction
Neighbors and visitors were shocked that a manhole could be left open in one of New York City’s busiest areas, located outside the Cartier store. Sam Muhammed, a local resident, said, “She was a very good woman. I can’t believe it. I just talked to her son, and he can’t speak about his mother.”
Union carpenter Alex, with 25 years of experience, noted, “I never seen a manhole by itself open. Usually, it’s well protected and marked with cones. Someone didn’t do their job. You can’t leave the manhole open.” Local IT director Steven George added, “It’s horrific. I’ve seen people get hit by cars, but nothing like this. You have to stay vigilant when walking.”
Family and Legacy
Gocaj’s relatives told WABC Eyewitness News she had two children and two grandchildren. Her recent Facebook posts celebrated family moments, including what appeared to be a First Communion of a young relative. Midtown worker Michael said, “She’s the same age as me. It’s not a time to die. It’s a horrible mistake, and the family should be angry.”
Con Edison covered the manhole while continuing their investigation. “We are actively investigating how this occurred,” the company said. “Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, and safety remains our top priority.”
