Perez Hilton reacted to the death of 56-year-old Donike Gocaj, who reportedly died after falling into a scalding hot manhole in New York City. In a May 21 article published on his website, Hilton described the details surrounding the incident as deeply disturbing and said the tragedy had left “many people shaken.”
Discussing the incident, Hilton shared that “multiple reports from several outlets” had reported that a “56-year-old grandmother” named Donike Gocaj passed away on “Monday night” (May 18) after “accidentally falling” into an “uncovered manhole” near “Fifth Avenue” in NYC.”
“What started as a normal night in Midtown Manhattan turned into an unimaginable tragedy for one New York family…Such a devastating story. Our hearts are with her family and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” he added.
The blogger further reported that witnesses claimed Donike Gocaj had just parked her SUV when she suddenly disappeared into the “open hole.”
According to Perez Hilton, reports from the New York Post and other local outlets stated that bystanders could allegedly hear screams coming from below street level as Donike Gocaj repeatedly cried out for help. Reacting to the reports, Hilton described the situation as:
“Absolutely heartbreaking.”
He also detailed how nearby witnesses reportedly attempted to rescue Donike Gocaj by lowering a ladder into the manhole while others searched for ways to pull her to safety.
“But according to reports, the conditions underground were extremely dangerous. Witnesses described intense heat, thick steam, and what appeared to be boiling water inside the utility chamber. Sadly, rescuers were unable to save her in time. What a terrible, terrible tragedy,” Perez Hilton added.
What else did Perez Hilton say about the death of Donike Gocaj?
In his website article, Perez Hilton also shared additional details surrounding the death of 56-year-old Donike Gocaj, who died after reportedly falling into an uncovered manhole in New York City.
In his May 21 article, Hilton discussed the official findings released by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office regarding the cause of Gocaj’s death.
Reporting on the medical examiner’s findings, Hilton wrote:
“And now, officials have confirmed the devastating cause of death, as well. Also per the Post, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office reportedly ruled Donike’s death an accident caused by a combination of blunt force trauma, severe scald burns, and thermal injuries from inhaling superheated steam.”
Hilton further explained that experts interviewed after the incident reportedly described steam burns as potentially even more dangerous than traditional fire burns because of the severe internal damage they can cause almost immediately.
He also noted that one former medical official allegedly stated that the inhalation injuries may have been “the deadliest part” of the incident, as the “scorching steam” likely prevented oxygen from properly reaching Gocaj’s bloodstream.
The blogger also reported that Con Edison believed a heavy truck may have dislodged the manhole cover shortly before the accident.
“BTW, as if this story could not get any worse, Con Edison reportedly believes a heavy truck may have knocked the manhole cover loose just minutes before the accident happened. Surveillance footage is now being reviewed as investigators work to determine exactly how the cover became displaced in such a heavily trafficked area of Manhattan,” Hilton added.
Hilton also claimed that previous concerns about dangerous manhole conditions in the area may have been reported before the tragedy.
“Even more disturbing, additional reports claim concerned pedestrians had allegedly contacted 911 about hazardous manhole conditions in the area in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. And… nothing was done, it would apparently seem?! Ugh!!!” he wrote.
Elsewhere in the article, Hilton also reflected on the devastating impact Gocaj’s death had on her family and loved ones, describing the incident as a horrific tragedy that turned an ordinary evening into a nightmare.
Donike Gocaj is survived by a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren, as reported by WABC-TV.
Edited by Shayari Roy