The parents of a 23-year-old man who died after falling from the fifth floor of a residential building in central London have said they are deeply traumatised and are seeking answers about how the tragedy occurred.
Joshua Robbins died on Thursday evening after balcony railings reportedly gave way at the Holland and Thurston Dwellings in Holborn. According to his mother, Fiona Jane Garrett, Joshua had leaned against the communal balcony railings to check whether a pizza delivery had arrived when the structure collapsed, causing him to fall from height.
Family describes devastating loss
In a statement released by the family, Ms Garrett said Joshua’s father witnessed the immediate aftermath of the fall and has been left severely distressed.
“Our family is absolutely devastated. We have lost our son,” she said, describing Joshua as a cheerful, warm and caring young man who loved life and brought joy to those around him.
She added that no family should have to navigate grief, trauma and official procedures simultaneously, calling the situation overwhelming and heartbreaking.
Housing association and police investigation
The building is managed by Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA), which said it is fully cooperating with the police investigation and extended condolences to the family. The association said it was too early to comment further while inquiries are ongoing.
Following the incident, boards were installed across communal balconies, and residents were advised not to place weight on railings as a precaution. Scaffolding has also been erected around the building.
Police appeal for information
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to Newton Street on January 29 after reports of a person falling from height. Despite emergency treatment, Joshua was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have launched an investigation and appealed to anyone with information to come forward as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.