Mother Demands Answers After Son's Fatal Fall from Camden Flat Balcony
A devastated mother is demanding urgent answers after her 23-year-old son fell to his death from a fifth-floor balcony when a communal railing allegedly failed in Camden.
Tragic Incident on Newton Street
Joshua Robbins died on Thursday, January 29th, after falling five floors from his father's flat on Newton Street in Camden. The incident occurred around 8:37pm when Joshua went to collect what he believed was a pizza delivery.
His mother, Fiona Jane Garrett, who is originally from Northern Ireland, has revealed that her son fell after the railing on a communal landing gave way as he looked over it. "He went out of his front door onto the communal landing by the lift area to see if it was the delivery arriving. As he looked over the railing, it gave way. Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact," Ms Garrett explained.
Family's Heartbreak and Demands
Ms Garrett described her son as a "happy, go-lucky young man who loved life" with a smile that lit up every room. Joshua had moved to London to build a future for himself and was living with his father at the time of the tragedy.
"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," she said. "We should not be writing statements like this or trying to navigate trauma and bureaucracy at the same time. Yet here we are."
The family has directed their questions to the Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association, which manages the property. Joshua's father, Will Robbins, has been left "traumatised" by the incident according to Ms Garrett.
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Joshua's death. Police were called to Newton Street at 20:19hrs on January 29th following reports of a fall from height.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "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."
Housing Association Responds
Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association, expressed condolences while confirming cooperation with authorities. "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," she said.
"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 police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 and quoting CAD7119/29Jan, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
