Fiona Garrett said a safety railing at her son Joshua Robbins’ accommodation ‘gave way’, causing him to fall to his death.
Ms Garrett – an Essex native now living in Claudy, Co Londonderry – said her son died instantly after falling five floors at Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street, London, last Thursday, January 29.
According to the family, Joshua – known as Josh – had assumed a buzz at the flat was his pizza delivery shortly after 8.30pm. As he stepped onto the communal landing near the lift area and looked over the railing, it collapsed, causing him to fall.
In a joint statement, Fiona and Joshua’s father, Will Robbins, said: “Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact.
“Josh’s father Will witnessed the immediate aftermath of his son’s fall, something no parent should ever have to see. He is deeply traumatised by what he witnessed.
“This is not an allegation or speculation. The railing gave way. Our son did not climb it or behave recklessly. A safety barrier that was meant to prevent a fall gave way, with catastrophic consequences.”
Josh, who grew up in the village of Claudy, had moved to London as a young man to seek new opportunities, his mother added.
He was also described as “happy-go-lucky”, kind and charismatic, with a love of online gaming and a strong connection to friends back home. While he never played for a team, he was a familiar face at the local GAA pitch, known for his enthusiasm and support.
His favourite quote, Fiona said, was: “Every day is precious, just like you.”
Fiona is a prominent figure in her local area, and helped former UUP councillor Ryan McCready on his Stormont election campaign trail in 2022.
She said her family is “absolutely devastated” and now planning a cremation while awaiting pathology reports, and trying to navigate official processes in the wake of their loss.
The family is being supported by The Katie Trust, a charity that helps families affected by sudden, unexplained or traumatic deaths to access trauma-informed support and seek accountability.
They have confirmed they will be seeking answers from Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA), as well as relevant contractors, and are meeting with Metropolitan Police. The family also plans to contact Joshua’s MP, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose constituency covers the area where Josh lived.
Among the questions they want addressed are when the railing was last inspected, what maintenance records exist, whether concerns about corrosion or structural integrity had been raised, and what steps were taken to ensure residents’ safety.
“We are not seeking to prejudice any investigation or legal process. We want transparency, accountability, and the truth,” the statement continues,
“Our son is dead, and he should not be.
Left: Joshua Robbins. Right: The accommodation from which Joshua fell to his death
News catch up – Monday 2 February
“Safety barriers exist to save lives. When they fail, families deserve answers, and systems must be examined so this never happens again.
“Josh deserved a future. No family should ever have to go through this because a safety barrier gave way. We deserve answers.”
The Met Police said: “Police were called on Thursday January 29 at 8.19pm to Newton Street, WC2 following reports of a fall from height.
“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.”
In a statement Pippa Fleetwood-Read, Chief Executive at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) said: “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.
“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.”