Sam Waisbren death - NYC 2019 ( elevator)

Sam Waisbren, 30, who died while trying to exit the elevator and into the lobby of Manhattan Promenade tower when it suddenly fell, trapping him between the wall and the elevator shaft on Thursday morning, also suffered 'mechanical asphyxia'.

The terrifying incident occurred at 8:15am Thursday in the luxury apartment building located on East 25th Street and Third Avenue.

On Friday, officials from the city Department of Investigation said they were investigating the tech executives' death, but would not elaborate any further on the focus of their probe.

According to the department's website, the DOI is responsible for 'investigating and referring for criminal prosecution cases of fraud, corruption and other illegal activities by City employees, contractors and others who do business with the City.'

Five other residents were still inside the elevator when it went hurtling downward and dragging Samuel with it.

The residents in the elevator weren't injured, but they did have to wait to be rescued by firefighters.

Shortly after Samuel's death, a resident called New York City's 311 information number to file a complaint about the elevator with the Department of Buildings (DOB).

'A resident was killed in the elevator. Every other week someone is getting stuck in the elevator,' the complaint reads. 'Customer states that the elevator shakes really bad.'

Inspectors from the DOB were at scene taking a look at the elevator on Friday. They will work to determine whether the occurrence was 'a one off' or if action needs to be taken to inspect elevators citywide.

The elevator that killed Waisbren was installed in 1997 and has no history of safety-related violations.