Waterford fatal assault: Woman (44) named locally as gardaí question man - We are WLR FM

A woman who died following a Waterford fatal assault yesterday has been named locally as 44-year-old Yveta Donovalova.

Originally from Czechia, Ms Donovalova had been living in Ireland for almost two decades.

Emergency services responded to incident in Grange Heights

The Waterford fatal assault occurred at a residential property in Grange Heights on Monday evening.

Emergency services, including gardaí and paramedics, were called to the scene shortly after 6:15pm.

Ms Donovalova was found with multiple serious injuries. It is understood she was initially able to communicate with emergency responders but later became unresponsive.

She was taken to University Hospital Waterford, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Man arrested and detained

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Waterford division.

He can be held for questioning for up to 24 hours, subject to standard provisions for breaks.

It is understood the man was known to the deceased.

Garda investigation underway

Gardaí have launched a full investigation into the Waterford fatal assault, with the scene preserved for technical and forensic examination.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station.

The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified, and a post-mortem examination is due to take place.

A Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to support Ms Donovalova’s family.

Appeal for witnesses and footage

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information relating to the incident to come forward.

They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Grange Heights area between 6pm and 6:30pm on Monday evening.

Investigators have also requested that any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area be made available to assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.

Community in shock following incident

Ms Donovalova had lived in Waterford for many years and was well known locally.

It is understood she lived at the property with her children, and the alarm was raised by concerned neighbours.

Local councillor Declan Barry said the community is deeply shocked by the incident.

“It is such a tragic and sad happening. Grange Heights is one of the quietest places,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time.”

Social Democrats councillor Mary Roche laid flowers at the scene and said “she would not normally attend scenes like this, but that she felt the need to”. She further described the circumstances as shocking.