{"id":244511,"date":"2026-05-21T14:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T14:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/21\/unimaginable-tragedy-perez-hilton-mourns-the-death-of-56-year-old-donike-gocaj-who-passed-away-after-falling-into-scalding-hot-manhole\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T14:05:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T14:05:17","slug":"unimaginable-tragedy-perez-hilton-mourns-the-death-of-56-year-old-donike-gocaj-who-passed-away-after-falling-into-scalding-hot-manhole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/21\/unimaginable-tragedy-perez-hilton-mourns-the-death-of-56-year-old-donike-gocaj-who-passed-away-after-falling-into-scalding-hot-manhole\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;Unimaginable tragedy&#8221;: Perez Hilton mourns the death of 56-year-old Donike Gocaj who passed away after falling into scalding hot manhole"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"5169980\" data-slug-id=\"2784932\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/perezhilton.com\/new-york-woman-dies-manhole-cause-of-death\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">article<\/a> published on his website, Hilton described the details surrounding the incident as deeply disturbing and said the tragedy had left \u201cmany people shaken.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Discussing the incident, Hilton shared that &#8220;multiple reports from several outlets\u201d had reported that a \u201c56-year-old grandmother\u201d named Donike Gocaj passed away on \u201cMonday night\u201d (May 18) after \u201caccidentally falling&#8221; into an &#8220;uncovered manhole\u201d near \u201cFifth Avenue&#8221; in NYC.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cWhat started as a normal night in Midtown Manhattan turned into an unimaginable tragedy for one New York family\u2026Such a devastating story. Our hearts are with her family and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy,\u201d he added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<p>The blogger further reported that witnesses claimed Donike Gocaj had just parked her SUV when she suddenly disappeared into the \u201copen hole.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/news-so-crazy-perez-hilton-reacts-man-gets-charged-allegedly-burning-girlfriend-dog-alive-details-explored\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Perez Hilton<\/a>, 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:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cAbsolutely heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>He also detailed how nearby witnesses reportedly attempted to rescue Donike Gocaj by lowering a ladder into the manhole while others <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/wild-s-t-y-all-perez-hilton-reacts-disturbing-old-clips-gypsy-rose-blanchard-threatening-murder-come-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">searched for ways<\/a> to pull her to safety.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cBut 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,\u201d Perez Hilton added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>What else did Perez Hilton say about the death of Donike Gocaj?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"image\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Perez Hilton - Source: Getty\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg 1920w\" alt=\"Perez Hilton - Source: Getty\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2026\/05\/b0469-17793643636744-1920.jpg?w=640\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201080%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Perez Hilton &#8211; Source: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>In his May 21 article, Hilton discussed the official findings released by the New York City Medical Examiner\u2019s Office regarding the cause of Gocaj\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>Reporting on the medical examiner\u2019s findings, Hilton wrote:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cAnd now, officials have confirmed the devastating cause of death, as well. Also per the Post, the New York City Medical Examiner\u2019s Office reportedly ruled Donike\u2019s death an accident caused by a combination of blunt force trauma, severe scald burns, and thermal injuries from inhaling superheated steam.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Hilton further explained that experts interviewed after the incident reportedly described steam burns as potentially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/news-from-reporting-local-true-crime-living-it-perez-hilton-reacts-ex-news-anchor-allegedly-stabs-mother-save-halloween\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">even more dangerous<\/a> than traditional fire burns because of the severe internal damage they can cause almost immediately.<\/p>\n<p>He also noted that one former medical official allegedly stated that the inhalation injuries may have been \u201cthe deadliest part\u201d of the incident, as the \u201cscorching steam\u201d likely prevented oxygen from properly reaching Gocaj\u2019s bloodstream.<\/p>\n<p>The blogger also reported that Con Edison believed a heavy truck may have dislodged the manhole cover shortly before the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/it-chilling-perez-hilton-reacts-actress-worked-d4vd-calls-monster-amid-currently-legal-skirmish-involving-celeste-rivas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">accident<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cBTW, 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,\u201d Hilton added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Hilton also claimed that previous concerns about dangerous manhole conditions in the area may have been reported before the tragedy.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cEven 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\u2026 nothing was done, it would apparently seem?! Ugh!!!\u201d he wrote.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Elsewhere in the article, Hilton also reflected on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/news-i-keep-many-thoughts-perez-hilton-shares-thoughts-bryan-kohberger-s-bizarre-first-police-interview-surfaces\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">devastating impact<\/a> Gocaj\u2019s death had on her family and loved ones, describing the incident as a horrific tragedy that turned an ordinary evening into a nightmare.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>Donike Gocaj is survived by a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren, as reported by WABC-TV.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\" title=\"like article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\" title=\"dislike article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Shayari Roy<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/podcasts\/news-unimaginable-tragedy-perez-hilton-mourns-death-56-year-old-donike-gocaj-passed-away-falling-scalding-hot-manhole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u201cmany people shaken.\u201d Discussing the incident, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":244512,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6806],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-244511","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gossip"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244511"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244511\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244511"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}