A mother, father and their nine-year-old son are dead after falling from the 36th floor of a luxury London tower block in what police believe to be a suicide.
The three – identified as Rakesh, Aditi, and their son Sid – fell from the UNCLE building on Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle shortly before 7.29am on Wednesday, May 27, triggering a major emergency response. Officers, the London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade all attended, but despite CPR efforts all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Three people, including a nine-year-old boy with severe illnesses, fell from a luxury London tower block in a suspected suicide.”
Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle told the Sun the tragedy was “just awful” and that some constituents had witnessed it. He said the suggestion from police was that Sid, born in the UK, had severe illnesses – believed to include kidney disease – and was home‑schooled, which may have contributed to the family’s “horrendous decision.”
In a letter to constituents, Coyle described the incident as “an awful occurrence” and confirmed police believe it was suicide. “I cannot imagine what situation would lead a family to this terrifying incident,” he wrote.
The Met Police has not confirmed the names or details of the boy’s illness. A spokesperson said the deaths are being treated as “unexpected,” and added: “There were no other …” – the statement was cut short. Detectives are not seeking anyone else at this point, though investigations continue.
The family are believed to have lived on the 36th floor of the 46‑storey building, which markets itself as “London’s tallest residential building,” offering a gym, 24/7 concierge and a sky lounge. One‑bedroom flats start at £3,000 a month; two‑bedroom units cost £3,715.
Next of kin have been informed, police said. The full circumstances remain under investigation.