A mother who tragically fell to her death alongside her husband and son from the balcony of their 36th-floor London flat has been pictured for the first time, as friends have revealed details about their lives leading up to the devastating incident.
Family Identified After Fatal Fall
Aditi Paralkar, 46, plummeted 400ft to her death with Rakesh Pai, 47, and their son Sid at the Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of 27 May. Close family friends have now reportedly told the Daily Mail that the tragic incident occurred after terminally-ill Sid was discharged from hospital after being denied medical treatment.
Background of the Couple
According to friends, both parents had attended prestigious universities in India before relocating to London in the early 2000s, where they built successful careers. The couple both worked as consultants, with Rakesh focusing on finance while Aditi held various senior positions within the construction sector, reports the Mirror.
Simultaneously, they were caring for Sid, who was disabled, having been born non-verbal and also living with learning difficulties and kidney disease, according to MailOnline.
Friends and Colleagues Express Shock
One friend said: "They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what's happened." Another 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 said.
The precise circumstances surrounding the deaths will be established at an inquest, though no date has been confirmed. Colleagues remembered Rakesh as a "people's person", noting his volunteer work with the Alzheimer's Society charity supporting individuals with dementia and his involvement with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, which aids blind people. Meanwhile, a previous employer praised Aditi as 'loyal and hardworking' and a 'pleasure' to be around.
Residence and Community Reaction
It's believed the couple had been residing at Highpoint tower on a temporary basis while they worked on merging two Clapham properties they owned into a single residence. One resident reportedly 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 and that's why they wanted to return to live in Clapham."
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the deaths were 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."
"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.
