A manhole cover sits near East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan following the death of Donike Gocaj, 56, who authorities said fell into an uncovered manhole after stepping out of her vehicle Monday night, May 18, 2026, in New York. Investigators are continuing to examine the situation.
A manhole cover sits near East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan following the death of Donike Gocaj, 56, who authorities said fell into an uncovered manhole after stepping out of her vehicle Monday night, May 18, 2026, in New York. Investigators are continuing to examine the situation. ( Manhole photo by Aiana Jones. Portrait photo courtesy of Yorktown Funeral Home.)

A 56-year-old grandmother died atter stepping out of her vehicle and falling into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan. A tractor trailer truck appears to have dislodged the manhole minutes before the victim stepped into it and plunged to her death.

Woman Dies After Falling Into an Uncovered Manhole In Midtown Manhattan

20 May 2026 | 03:38
News

A 56-year-old woman died after falling about 10 feet into an uncovered manhole in Midtown Manhattan late May 18 night near the Cartier store on East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue, according to the NYPD.

The woman was identified as Donike Gocaj. Witnesses said she had just parked her Mercedes-Benz when...

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