Woman plunges to death after falling into uncovered manhole in NYC

NEW YORK -- A woman plunged to her death after stepping out of her car into an open manhole in New York City on Monday night.

She was identified by family members Tuesday as 56-year-old Donike Gocaj from Briarcliff Manor.

Police say she parked her Mercedes Benz SUV at West 52nd and Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan just before 11:20 p.m.

She stepped out of her car, directly into an uncovered manhole. Gocaj fell down about 10 feet and was said to be unconscious.

She was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Our sister station WABC spoke to Gocaj's family members, who said they are deeply saddened and extremely shocked.

Loved ones said Gocaj was a loving mother to a son and daughter and a loving grandmother to two grandchildren.

Now, her family wants answers as to how this could have happened.

Con Edison is investigating why the manhole was left uncovered in the first place.

No construction was ongoing, and the manhole cover was discovered about 15 feet away from the opening.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has died after falling into an open manhole. We are actively investigating how this occurred. Our thoughts are with the individual's family, and safety remains our top priority," Con Edison said in a statement.