A mother who tragically fell to her death alongside her husband and son from the balcony of their 36th-storey London flat has been identified for the first time, as friends reveal details about their lives leading up to the heartbreaking incident.
Family identified after fatal fall
Aditi Paralkar, 46, plummeted 400ft to her death with Rakesh Pai, 47, and their son Sid from the Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of May 27. Close family acquaintances have now reportedly disclosed to the Daily Mail that the devastating falls occurred following terminally-ill Sid's discharge from hospital after being refused medical care.
According to reports, both parents had attended prestigious universities in India before relocating to London in the early 2000s, where they thrived professionally. The couple both worked as consultants, with Rakesh focusing on finance while Aditi occupied multiple senior positions within the construction sector.
Son's health challenges
Simultaneously, they were looking after Sid who was disabled, having been born non-verbal and also experienced learning disabilities and a kidney condition, according to MailOnline. One friend remarked: "They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what's happened." Another also expressed their disbelief, with an inquest due to investigate the circumstances.
"Hopefully the inquest will get to the bottom of what happened because at the moment, none of us have got a clue," they added. The precise circumstances surrounding the deaths will be established at an inquest, though no date has been confirmed.
Community tributes
Workmates painted Rakesh as a "people's person", noting his voluntary work with the Alzheimer's Society charity assisting those living with dementia and his involvement with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, which aids visually impaired individuals. Meanwhile, a previous employer characterised Aditi as 'loyal and hardworking' and a 'pleasure' to be around.
It's believed the pair had been residing at Highpoint tower on a temporary basis while making arrangements to merge two Clapham properties they owned into one residence. A neighbour is reported to have 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 investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the fatalities were being classified as "unexpected". A force 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 are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch by dialling 101 and quoting CAD 1613/27MAY.
