Grandmother’s chilling final words before she died in Manhattan manhole

20 May 2026 • 11:47 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Grandmother’s chilling final words before she died in Manhattan manhole

  • A 56-year-old grandmother, Donike Gocaj, died after falling into a dislodged manhole in Manhattan late on Monday night.
  • Eyewitnesses reported hearing her scream 'I'm dying' after she stepped out of her Mercedes-Benz SUV near Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street.
  • Utility company Con Edison, which operates the manhole, stated that a heavy multi-axle truck likely dislodged the cover approximately 12 minutes before the incident.
  • First responders took about 20 minutes to retrieve her from the manhole, where she was reportedly in a 'puddle of water'.
  • The New York City Mayor's Office has called for a full investigation into the tragedy to ensure such an incident does not happen again.

IN FULL