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Family of Briarcliff Manor woman killed in Manhattan manhole fall sues Con Ed

The lawsuit alleges that Con Ed and its employees failed to safely maintain the manhole covering, provide a means to exit the manhole, block the surrounding area and warn pedestrians.

News 12 Staff

Jul 17, 2026, 4:40 PM

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The family of a Briarcliff Manor woman who died after falling into a manhole in Manhattan has filed a lawsuit against Con Ed.

Donike Gocaj fell into the manhole after stepping out of her parked car in May. She was later pronounced dead as a result of scalding burns with thermal injuries to the lungs and blunt force trauma to her torso.

The lawsuit alleges that Con Ed and its employees failed to safely maintain the manhole covering, provide a means to exit the manhole, block the surrounding area and warn pedestrians.

It also claims the company knew its manhole covers could become dislodged by traffic and/or heavy vehicles.

The suit describes her death as the result of Con Ed’s “careless, grossly negligent, reckless, wanton, and willful conduct and conscious disregard for the rights, lives, and safety of others.”

MORE: Loved ones mourn woman who died in Manhattan manhole fall

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