The Devastating Way Ivana Trump Was Found Upon Her Death
Former President Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana Trump, has died. She was 73 years old. Donald made a tribute to Ivana on social media to share the shocking news, saying that Ivana died in her home in Manhattan on July 14. "I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City," he wrote. "She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life."
Sources told AP News that the police are still in the process of investigating whether or not Ivana's death was accidental or not. She was found unconscious in her home and according to the Fire Department of New York, she was pronounced dead on arrival. CNN also reported that the New York Police Department did not find "any criminality" in relation to her death. They rushed to her residence upon receiving an alert of a "73 year-old female unconscious and unresponsive."
But while there doesn't seem to be foul play in Ivana's death, authorities found her in a devastating position when they arrived at her home.
Ivana Trump's accidental death
According to AP News, a medical examiner has yet to release the official cause of Ivana Trump's death, but multiple reports say that authorities found her at the bottom of the staircase.
The police are currently looking into whether she fell down the stairs, but people close to the deceased (who have requested to remain anonymous) claimed to AP News that her death was accidental. The initial assumption, however, is that she suffered from cardiac arrest. Not much is known about Ivana's health condition prior to her death, but sources told The New York Post that her health hasn't been in tip-top shape in recent years, without disclosing any specific illness.
What's even more devastating is the fact that Ivana was supposed to go on her first vacation in years prior to her death. "She was leaving for St. Tropez tomorrow. This was going to be her first trip away since the pandemic. She was afraid of getting the virus," her friend Nikki Haskell told Page Six. "She was my best friend. I met her the night she met Donald [Trump]... I can't even tell you how fabulous she was, just a great friend, and the most amazing, inspirational person."
Ivana Trump had become increasing reclusive prior to her death
News of Ivana Trump's sudden death at 73 shocked the world. A source told the New York Post that an employee at Ivana's East 46th Manhattan building discovered her unresponsive at the bottom of the stairs and called authorities "around 12.40 p.m." Newsweek reports that a statement from the New York City medical examiner's office ruled that Ivana died from "blunt impact injuries of torso" following an accidental fall.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 out of 100,000 seniors die each year due to accidental falls, making it the primary cause of injury-related fatalities for those 65 and over. The CDC reports a 30% increase in fall-related deaths of seniors between 2009 and 2018. They attribute the fatalities to "risk factors such as the use of medicines that may increase fall risk, or poor strength and balance."
Nikki Haskell shared that Ivana had become increasingly isolated over the past few months. Haskell said it had been due to Ivana's difficulties dealing with the death of her ex-husband, Rossano Rubicondi, and her fear of contracting COVID. "She hasn't gone anywhere or done anything," Haskell admitted during an interview with Fox 5 affiliate morning show, "Good Day New York" the day after Ivana's death. "She was so afraid of getting sick, so she really became very reclusive." Haskell admitted that she was in such "complete shock" over her close friend's passing that she was still unable to process the loss.
Ivana Trump is gone but not forgotten
In her interview with "Good Morning New York," Nikki Haskell said she'd been texting with Ivana Trump shortly before her death. The socialite shared that she was excited for their upcoming vacay to St. Tropez as Ivana had "been locked down since the virus started," not venturing out or seeing anybody. "Ivana was bigger than life," Haskell said of her friend.
Meanwhile, tributes to Ivana have been flooding in from family and friends. Ivanka Trump posted a touching tribute to her mom on Twitter. "Heartbroken by the passing of my mother," she captioned an adorable throwback pic of the two of them. "Mom was brilliant, charming, passionate, and wickedly funny. She lived life to the fullest — never forgoing an opportunity to laugh and dance. I will miss her forever and will keep her memory alive in our hearts always."
"Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend," Eric Trump further reflected in a post. He praised his mother's survival skills, noting she "fled from communism and embraced this country." He also credited Ivana for installing "grit and toughness, compassion and determination" in her three children and 10 grandkids.