Family of ‘kind and funny’ Joshua Robbins seek answers after young Claudy man dies in tragic fall
The family of a young Claudy man who died after falling from a five-storey balcony in central London have called for a full investigation into his death.
Joshua Robbins, aged 23, died suddenly on January 29, after the tragic accident at the home he shared with his father in Holland and Thurston Dwellings in Holborn.
"Our family is absolutely devastated. We have lost our son. We should not be planning a cremation. We should not be waiting for pathology reports,” said his parents Fiona Garrett and Will Robbins in a statement this week.
Joshua’s family say he fell to his death after a balcony railing in the apartment block where he lived collapsed.
On Thursday January 29 he was waiting for a pizza delivery after 8pm when the apartment intercom buzzed.
Ms. Garrett and Mr. Robbins say their son went to see if it was his delivery arriving.
“As he looked over the railing it gave way. Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact. Josh’s father Will witnessed the immediate aftermath of his son’s fall, something no parent should ever have to see. He is deeply traumatised by what he witnessed,” they said.
Joshua’s family are seeking an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
"We are seeking answers not only for Josh, but so that no other family ever has to endure this pain. Not one more,” they said.
Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA), the Holland and Thurston Dwellings landlord, said: “The death of Joshua Robbins is deeply saddening, and everyone at ISHA sends our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“We are fully cooperating with the police and their investigation, but at this early stage it would be inappropriate to comment further until the full facts surrounding the incident have been established.”
The Katie Trust – a charity named in memory of the late Katie Simpson and which supports families who have lost a loved ones in circumstances initially classified as suicide, accident, or disappearance but where concerns and unanswered questions emerge, expressed condolences with the family.
“Our thoughts are with FiFi Garrett and Will at this time. Fi is a valued member of the The Katie Trust. This is a shocking tragedy that should never have happened,” it stated.
The Metropolitan police have confirmed they attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service on January 29 and were investigating the circumstances of Josh’s death.
Originally from Claudy Joshua moved to London as a young man to build a future.
He has been remembered by his family as ‘a happy, go-lucky young man who loved life’.
"Growing up in Claudy, Josh loved the craic at the GAA pitch. He didn’t play for a team, but that never stopped him being the best supporter. He had a smile that lit up every room and was widely described as kind, funny, and full of charisma, with impeccable manners and an ease with people that made him instantly likeable. Josh's favourite quote was: ‘Every day is precious, just like you.’
"We should not be writing statements like this or trying to navigate trauma and bureaucracy at the same time. Yet here we are,” his parents stated.