Joshua Robbins, 23, fell five floors to his death after going onto the communal landing outside his flat to check if a pizza delivery driver had arrived, his family said.
The parents of a man who fell to his death are calling for answers after he leant over a railing which “gave way” as he looked to see if a pizza delivery had arrived.
Joshua Robbins died after he plunged five floors at Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street, Holborn in London, last Thursday. Mr Robbins heard a buzz at the flat and assumed it was his pizza delivery, his family said. He is said to have stepped out onto the communal landing and looked over the railing, which collapsed. Police are investigating.
Mr Robbins, who had moved to London ten years ago from Claudy, Northern Ireland “to seek opportunity”, fell to his death shortly after 8.30pm. In a joint statement, Ms Garrett and Joshua’s father, Will Robbins, who was living with Joshua, said they were “absolutely devastated”, adding: “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. This is not an allegation or speculation. The railing gave way. Our son did not climb it or behave recklessly. A safety barrier that was meant to prevent a fall gave way, with catastrophic consequences.
“Josh was a happy, go-lucky young man who loved life. He loved playing games online with friends and staying connected to people, wherever he was. Growing up in Claudy, Josh loved the craic at the GAA [Gaelic Athletic Association] 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.” They continued: “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. We should not be writing statements like this or trying to navigate trauma and bureaucracy at the same time.”
Mr Robbins’ parents said they will be in touch with police and Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association as they seek answers about their son’s death. Pictures from the scene appear to show the fifth floor balcony missing a guard rail and that wooden boarding has now been erected to prevent the tragedy happening again.
They are currently being supported by The Katie Trust, a charity which supports families affected by sudden deaths. In an emotional video posted to social media today, Ms Garrett, who has travelled to London since the incident, added: “No-one should have to make these decisions. No-one with a child should be dealing with pathologists on their behalf. No-one should be thinking about whether to bury or cremate their child.
“No-one should be thinking about him being on his own in a mortuary, and if he’s comfortable, and realising how stupid that sounds, that he’s on his own.” She said: “His name was Josh Robbins, and he was valuable and he deserved better.”
Tributes have poured in for Mr Robbins, with a former teacher at St Colmcille’s Primary School saying: “I was so sorry to hear this awful news today. I have lovely memories of Josh in my class – my thoughts and prayers are with you.” Friends described him in online tributes as “a gentleman and a ray of sunshine” and the “most lovely little boy who just made you smile”.
A spokesperson for The Katie Trust said: “Our thoughts, love and solidarity are firmly with Fifi, Will, and the wider Robbins family at this devastating time. No parent should ever have to endure such a loss, and no child should grow up without their father.
“While the full circumstances surrounding Joshua’s death will be a matter for the relevant authorities to establish, we are profoundly concerned by reports that the balcony railing failed, leading to his fatal fall. The prospect that a basic structural safety feature in a residential building could collapse so easily is deeply troubling.
“As a Trust, we have been further shocked by our own research into similar incidents and by the number of deaths in London linked to balcony failures and concerns about structural integrity.’
The Trust highlighted that the incident occurred within PM Sir Keir Starmer’s constituency, adding: “At this time, we also wish to acknowledge and thank the emergency services, who responded swiftly and professionally, and to recognise the trauma experienced by neighbours and witnesses who were confronted with this distressing incident.
“Above all, our focus remains with Fifi and Will. The Katie Trust will continue to support the family in any way we can, and we stand with all families who have lost loved ones in circumstances that raise serious questions about safety, oversight and preventability.”
Ms Garrett is employed by The Katie Trust as the Political and Stakeholder Engagement Manager. A spokesperson from the Met Police said: “Police were called on Thursday, 29 January at 20:19hrs to Newton Street, WC2 following reports of a fall from height.
“Met officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a 23-year-old man on scene. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead. His next of kin has been informed, they are being supported by specialist officers. The circumstances surrounding his death remain ongoing.”
Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association, 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.”
