In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the sports world, Eddy Ionescu, the twin brother of WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu, was seriously injured late Tuesday morning when a massive sinkhole suddenly opened beneath his vehicle at a busy intersection in Manhattan.
The incident occurred around 9 am on the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, a high-traffic area near Times Square. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the pavement abruptly collapsed, swallowing Eddy’s black SUV in seconds. The 28-year-old former college basketball player was trapped inside the vehicle as it plummeted approximately 15 feet into the gaping hole filled with debris, water, and exposed utility lines.
First responders from the FDNY and NYPD arrived within minutes, working frantically under floodlights to extract Ionescu from the wreckage. Using specialized equipment, including hydraulic lifts and rescue harnesses, crews managed to free him after nearly 45 minutes. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital with multiple fractures, severe lacerations, and suspected internal injuries. Doctors report his condition as serious but stable, with surgery scheduled to address a broken femur and potential spinal complications.
Sabrina Ionescu, the New York Liberty’s star guard and one of the WNBA’s most prominent figures, was immediately notified and rushed to the hospital from her nearby residence. Sources close to the family say she has been by her brother’s side throughout the night, visibly distraught. The twins have long shared a deep bond, growing up playing basketball together in Oregon and supporting each other’s athletic pursuits—Eddy played college ball at the University of Oregon alongside his sister’s rise to fame.
Authorities believe the sinkhole may have been caused by aging underground infrastructure combined with recent heavy rainfall weakening the soil. The Department of Buildings has launched an immediate investigation, and the intersection remains closed as engineers assess risks of further collapse. Several nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precaution.
This marks yet another urban sinkhole incident in New York this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about the city’s aging water mains and sewer systems. City officials have pledged a full review.
The Ionescu family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, but Sabrina posted a brief statement on social media: “Thank you for the outpouring of love. Eddy is fighting strong—our family appreciates all the support.”
Friends and fans of the Ionescus have flooded social media with messages of hope and recovery. Eddy, known for his quiet support of his sister’s career, was reportedly on his way home from a casual pickup game when the accident happened
As the investigation continues, the sports community rallies around one of its own families in crisis.
