A mother who fell to her death alongside her husband and son from the balcony of their 36th-floor London flat has been photographed for the first time as friends provide insight into their lives prior to the tragedy.
Details of the Incident
Aditi Paralkar, 46, fell 400ft to her death together with Rakesh Pai, 47, and their son Sid, at the Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of May 27. Family friends have now reportedly informed the Daily Mail that the tragic falls occurred after terminally-ill Sid was released from hospital following being refused medical treatment.
Background of the Family
Both parents had attended leading universities in India before relocating to London in the early 2000s, where they thrived in their professions. Both were employed as consultants, with Rakesh focusing on finance while Aditi occupied multiple senior positions in the construction sector. Simultaneously, they were looking after Sid, who was disabled, having been born unable to speak and also experienced learning difficulties and a kidney condition.
A friend said: "They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what's happened." While another also expressed their shock, stating: "Hopefully the inquest will get to the bottom of what happened because at the moment, none of us have got a clue."
Investigations and Tributes
The precise circumstances of the deaths will be established at an inquest, though no date has yet been fixed. Colleagues characterised Rakesh as a "people's person", noting he gave his time to Alzheimer's Society charity assisting individuals with dementia and at the Thomas Pocklington Trust which aids visually impaired people. Meanwhile, a previous employer portrayed Aditi as 'loyal and hardworking' and a 'pleasure' to be around.
It is believed they had been residing in Highpoint tower on a temporary basis and were intending to merge two Clapham properties they owned into one residence. One neighbour commented: "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 and that's why they wanted to return to live in Clapham."
Police Statement
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the fatalities were being regarded as "unexpected". A representative stated: "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. At the scene, three people – a man, a woman and a child – were found to have sadly died, despite resuscitation attempts by first responders. Their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected. There were no other reported injuries. Work is underway to formally identify those who died. Their next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers." Officers have appealed for anybody with information to get in touch by dialling 101 and quoting CAD 1613/27MAY.
