Yolaine Díaz, a prominent fashion and beauty writer for People en Español, and her mother died in a fast-moving fire at a six-story apartment building in Inwood, Manhattan, early Monday. The blaze, which erupted after midnight, killed three people, including the pair, who perished while attempting to escape via a smoke-filled stairwell. A third victim remains unidentified. SB Dyckman LLC, the landlord of the building at 207 Dyckman Street, faces scrutiny as investigators reveal the structure had over 100 documented safety violations, including faulty self-closing doors that failed to contain the fire.

Díaz, 48, had contributed to People en Español since the 2000s, interviewing Latin music icons like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Her mother, Ana Mirtha Lantigua, 73, survived her, but a stepfather escaped via a fire escape. The fire displaced about 100 residents, and 14 others were injured, including a firefighter. Five victims, including a woman and her three children, remained in critical condition Monday. The fire marshal has not determined the cause, though officials cited open doors left by fleeing residents as a key factor in the fire’s spread.

The tragedy underscores systemic safety concerns in New York City housing. The building’s violations mirror issues at 209 Dyckman Street, another property owned by SB Dyckman LLC, which the city sued last month for allegedly harassing rent-stabilized tenants. That building had 219 open violations, including 58 deemed immediately hazardous. Díaz’s death marks her as one of 36 fire fatalities in NYC this year. Colleagues described her as a trailblazer in Latin fashion media, known for her vibrant personality and collaborations with brands like Dolce & Gabbana. Her Instagram, with 44,000 followers, showcased her global travels and style.

The fire occurred days after the Met Gala, with Díaz’s final message to a colleague hinting at creative ideas. Her passing, echoing the glamour of the event, highlights the loss of a voice in Latin fashion journalism. The city’s investigation into building code compliance and landlord accountability remains ongoing, with advocates pushing for stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies.