A mother who died alongside her husband and son after falling from the balcony of their 36th-floor London flat has been pictured for the first time, as friends begin to share memories of the family's lives before the tragedy.
The Incident
Aditi Paralkar, 46, her husband Rakesh Pai, 47, and their son Sid fell 400 feet to their deaths from the Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of 27 May. Close family friends have told the Daily Mail that the heartbreaking incident occurred after terminally-ill Sid was discharged from hospital following a refusal of medical treatment.
Background of the Family
Both parents studied at prestigious universities in India before moving to London in the early 2000s, where they built successful careers. Rakesh worked as a finance consultant, while Aditi held senior roles in the construction industry. The couple were devoted carers for Sid, who was born with disabilities, unable to speak, and suffered from learning difficulties and a kidney disease.
A friend said: 'They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what's happened.' Another expressed disbelief as an inquest prepares to examine the circumstances: 'Hopefully the inquest will get to the bottom of what happened because at the moment, none of us have got a clue.'
Community Tributes
Colleagues described Rakesh as a 'people's person' who volunteered with the Alzheimer's Society and the Thomas Pocklington Trust, which supports blind people. A previous employer called Aditi 'loyal and hardworking' and a 'pleasure' to be around. The family had been living temporarily in Highpoint tower while merging two Clapham properties into one home. A resident said: 'They were a lovely couple, and everybody really liked them. They had no family in the UK so having good friends was very important to them.'
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the deaths are being treated as 'unexpected'. A spokesperson said: 'Detectives are investigating after three people died following a fall from height on Wednesday. At 7.29am officers, the London Ambulance Service, London's Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade attended a high-rise block of flats on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, following reports that people had fallen from height.' The three were found deceased despite resuscitation attempts. No other injuries were reported. Next-of-kin have been informed and are supported by specialist officers. Police appeal for anyone with information to call 101 quoting CAD 1613/27MAY.
