The parents of a 23-year-old man who plunged five floors to his death from a London apartment block are demanding a full investigation, claiming a safety railing gave way as he stepped out to check for a pizza delivery.
Joshua Robbins died on impact on 29 January after falling from a communal landing outside his north London flat. His family insists the tragedy was not the result of reckless behaviour, but a catastrophic failure of a safety barrier that was meant to prevent exactly such an incident.
‘A Safety Barrier That Failed’
Joshua’s mother, Fiona Garrett, and his father, Will Robbins, issued a joint statement expressing their devastation and calling for answers.
“Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact,” the statement said. “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.”
The family was emphatic that the incident was not an accident caused by negligence on Joshua’s part.
“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,” they said.
Checking for a Pizza Delivery
According to his parents, Joshua had stepped onto the communal landing to see whether a pizza delivery driver had arrived when the fall occurred. What should have been a routine, everyday moment instead ended in tragedy.
The circumstances surrounding the condition and maintenance of the railing are now central to the family’s call for an investigation, as they seek clarity on how such a failure could occur in a residential building.
A Life Cut Short
Joshua had moved from Northern Ireland to London to live with his father. Described by his family as happy and easy-going, he was known for his love of life and strong connections with friends.
“Josh was a happy, go-lucky young man who loved life,” his parents said. “He loved playing games online with friends and staying connected to people, wherever he was.”
Raised in Claudy, Northern Ireland, Joshua was deeply connected to his local community. He was particularly fond of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) scene, where he was known for his enthusiasm and humour.
“Growing up in Claudy, Josh loved the craic at the GAA pitch. He didn’t play for a team, but that never stopped him being the best supporter,” the statement read.
Questions Over Building Safety
The family’s account raises serious questions about building safety standards, particularly in communal areas of residential properties. If confirmed, a failure of a safety railing would point to potential lapses in construction, inspection or ongoing maintenance.
Such cases often spark broader scrutiny of landlord responsibilities and local authority oversight, especially in densely populated urban housing where communal spaces are widely used.
Calls for Accountability
For Joshua’s parents, the focus is not only on mourning their son, but on ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies.
They are calling for a thorough investigation to establish how the railing failed and who may be responsible for ensuring it was safe. Their hope is that answers will bring some measure of justice and help prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.
As investigations are awaited, Joshua Robbins is remembered not for the circumstances of his death, but for the life he lived — a young man known for his warmth, humour and love of connection, taken far too soon.
