Man, 23, plunges five floors to death ‘looking out for pizza delivery’

The parents of a man who plunged five floors to his death are demanding an investigation after they claimed a railing gave way.

Joshua Robbins, 23, fell from the communal landing outside his London flat as he went to check if a pizza delivery driver had arrived, his family said.

His mother Fiona Garrett and Joshua’s father, Will Robbins, who he moved from Northern Ireland to live with in north London, said they were ‘absolutely devastated’ by his death on January 29.

In a joint statement they said: ‘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 added: ‘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.’

A spokesperson for The Katie Trust, who are looking out for the family, said they were shocked by the number of deaths from balcolnys across London.

They 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.’

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.’

A spokesperson for 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.’

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