Waterford community left in shock after tragic death of mother-of-three
Flowers left by Yveta's friends and neighbours outside her house. Photo: David Farrell
The Grange Heights community has been in mourning this week after resident Yveta Donovalova was pronounced dead on Monday evening after being allegedly assaulted in her own home.
Originally from Czechia, the 43-year-old had been living in Grange Heights for over 16 years, according to her neighbours.
Ms Donovalova had three teenage children and worked as a cleaner in the local area.
Grange Heights is a quiet, residential area with beautiful foliage and home security systems on almost every house. However, that was not enough to stop Ms Donovalova from losing her life on Monday.
A neighbour, Grace Drohan, spoke to the : “Nothing like this has ever happened in Grange Heights, everyone was so used to seeing this woman, a hard-working woman, a mother of three and now she’s gone.”
Ms Drohan said that her parents have lived in Grange Heights for 52 years, and there had never been a reason for the gardaí to come to the estate until now.
She said: “You see these things on the news but you never think it will happen on your doorstep.“
She said everyone on the street is “heartbroken”, and added, "This will impact everyone in the estate for a long time.”
On Wednesday evening, a vigil was held in her honour, where Fr Liam Power spoke about how well-liked and respected she was by her neighbours. He also told Yveta's mother and sister, who flew from Czechia to Ireland, "You are not alone."
Hundreds of people turned up to pay their respects, with dozens of candles and bouquets of flowers.
At the end of the vigil, a hymn was played through the speakers, and many people in the crowd began to sing in unison. Fr Power and other people in attendance were visibly moved by the scene.
Marie Donoval has set up a GoFundMe to support Yveta’s husband, Robert Donoval. So far, over €5,000 has been raised with over 90 separate donations made.
According to the GoFundMe page, it has been created to “support Yveta’s husband and their three children during an unimaginable time.”
It continues, “Yveta’s life was tragically taken in their family home... This fund will help her loved ones as they navigate the heartbreak and challenges ahead — providing support for immediate needs and helping them begin to rebuild their lives.”
You can donate here
Councillor Mary Roche told : “It’s just awful,” and hopes that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, Councillor Jim D’Arcy said: "It's absolutely shocking. Grange Heights is an idyllic place to live; the people are very much a community... the people are just numb. Your home is meant to be where you feel safe.”
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and an incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to support the family of the deceased.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday, April 27, between 6pm and 6.30pm 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.
