NYC Woman Dies After Falling Into Manhattan Manhole

Donike Gocaj died after falling into a manhole in Manhattan late Monday night. City medical examiners are investigating the cause of her death. A former city medical examiner previously described the hazards of falling into an open manhole. In a 2014 interview, Judy Melinek recounted the 2002 death of a man identified as Sean Doyle who was thrown into a steam tunnel during a fight.

Rescuers could not immediately reach Doyle because temperatures inside the tunnel reached 300 degrees. His body was recovered four hours later and measured 125 degrees. Melinek said the victim appeared to have been boiled, with his outer skin peeling and internal organs cooked.

Melinek stated that Doyle was likely conscious during the incident.

Background on the Incident Gocaj was a mother and grandmother.

Officials have not released additional details about how she fell into the manhole. The city continues to investigate the circumstances of her death.