Woman who died following serious assault in Waterford city named locally
Sarah Slater
A mother-of-three who died following a serious assault in Waterford city has been named locally as Yveta Donovalova.
Donovalova, aged in her 40s, who was originally from the Czech Republic, was found by gardaí, and emergency services responded to the incident at a house in Grange Heights residence at approximately 6:15 pm on Monday.
She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where she was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The State Pathologist was notified, and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.
A man, also in his 40s, who is believed to be known to the deceased, was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at a Garda station in the Waterford Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He continues to be questioned by gardaí.
The scene is currently preserved for technical examination. Donovalova was renting the house and had lived in the area for around 12 years while she worked as a cleaner.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda station.
It is understood that Donovalova sustained stab injuries.
A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.
A local resident who lives close to the scene, explained there were five garda vehicles, two ambulances and a fire unit.
She described Ms Donovalova as a “lovely, lovely person, neighbour and very friendly. She was very involved here. The family were good neighbours.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday, between 6 pm and 6.30 pm, who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Garda investigations are ongoing.
