A mother has issued a caution to residents of apartment buildings following the tragic death of her son, who fell from a balcony in a housing association block after the railing allegedly collapsed.
Joshua Robbins, aged 23, fell five floors to his death while leaning over the communal balcony of his residence to check for a pizza delivery. The incident occurred on January 29 at approximately 8:20 pm in Holborn, London, as depicted in a photo circulating on social media showing the missing railings from the fifth-floor balcony.
In memory of her son, Fiona Garrett has initiated the “no more falls” campaign, urging all occupants of high-rise buildings to ensure that landlords inspect the safety of their balcony railings. Expressing her grief and determination for accountability, Garrett stressed the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Following the unfortunate event, the family has launched a fundraiser to cover legal expenses and unexpected financial burdens arising from Joshua’s untimely passing. Garrett is actively seeking answers from the Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association, the property’s managers.
In her pursuit of justice, the 46-year-old mother, residing in Claudy, Co Londonderry, reached out to her son’s local Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister for a meeting as part of her advocacy efforts. She expressed appreciation for the genuine response received, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
While inquiries are ongoing, no official meeting or inquest date has been set. Ms. Garrett remains resolute in her quest for the truth surrounding her son’s death, citing a sense of urgency and determination fueled by a mix of emotions.
To honor her son’s memory, she described Joshua as a cherished individual known for his gentleness, kindness, and thoughtfulness, leaving an indelible impact on those around him. Additionally, Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA), conveyed condolences to the family and pledged full cooperation with the authorities’ investigations.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed responding to a report of a fall from height on January 29, resulting in the tragic loss of a 23-year-old man. Investigations are ongoing, with a plea for information from the public to aid in the inquiry process.
