Mother, father and their 'severely ill' son, nine, died in 400ft 'suicide' plunge from 36th floor of luxury London tower block

Published: 12:38, 8 June 2026 | Updated: 12:46, 8 June 2026 A mother, father and their severely ill nine-year-old son plunged to their deaths from a luxury high rise apartment building in what police believe was a suicide, the local MP has said. The family of three had been living in Highpoint tower on the 36th floor of the 45-storey building at Elephant and Castle, south London. They were found dead last Wednesday after falling into the courtyard from a balcony.  The father Rakesh and mother Aditi and their son Sid, nine, who is believed to have been born in the UK. There is a suggestion that Sid was severely ill and that the family had committed suicide. Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle wrote to residents in the building – which bills itself as the tallest residential block in London. In a message the day after the tragedy, Mr Coyle claimed that no one else was being sought in connection with the deaths. Mr Coyle said: 'It's a terrible tragedy, a family of three. Just awful. Some constituents saw it happen. 'The suggestion was that the child was born in the UK with severe illnesses, which the police inferred contributed to their horrendous decision.' Highpoint tower is home to 458 opulent apartments mostly rented by international students from wealthy backgrounds in East Asia and middle-class young professionals. The family of three had been living in a luxury apartment on the 36th floor of the 45-storey building at Elephant and Castle, south London .  The block once housed more than 500 asylum seekers who branded it a 'hostel from hell'. But after being redeveloped by Canadian property group Realstar Living and rebranded as UNCLE Elephant and Castle, it now boasts a Sky Lounge top-floor bar, an on-site gym, a co-working space and underground parking. The block, which now holds a 300-seat theatre leased to the Southwark Playhouse, is said to be London's tallest residential building and boasts views that 'make the Shard jealous'. Residents can see the London Eye, Wembley stadium and the River Thames from their balconies and feel secure with the 24 hour concierge and security service. One-bedroom studio flats in the block cost £2,700 a month while two-bedroom apartments cost £3,800 a month to rent. Each flat includes a large living, dining and kitchen area decked out with premium Siemens appliances, Danish designer furniture and a yellow-tinted private balcony with glass barriers. Most of the residents are students studying at local universities, with Kings College London, London South Bank and University of Arts all within walking distance. Only a few families inhabit the modern apartments. One resident said: 'There is zero community feel here. No one knows their neighbours.' Others reported hearing 'shouts and screams' from the family's apartment in the weeks before they fell. A woman who lives in the building said: 'I heard shouting and screaming for the past two weeks. It has stopped since Wednesday. 'Police knocked on the door and asked if I had heard shouting and screaming. I told them yes and I assumed it was a domestic.' The family lived in Highpoint tower, home to 458 opulent apartments mostly rented by international students from wealthy backgrounds in East Asia The block is said to be London's tallest residential building and boasts views that 'make the Shard jealous'  Each flat includes a large living, dining and kitchen area decked out with premium Siemens appliances, Danish designer furniture and a yellow-tinted private balcony with glass barriers Residents were sent an email the day after the tragedy warning them of increased police presence and temporary road closures. It read: 'Dear Residents, you may have seen some news about the tragic incident at UNCLE Elephant and Castle Wednesday morning. 'The incident involved the loss of life, our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragic event. We recognise that incidents of this nature can cause concern and distress within the community, and our thoughts are with everyone who may have been affected. 'Specialist and dedicated teams from the Metropolitan Police Service are currently investigating the incident and will remain in the area over the coming days while enquiries continue. 'You may notice an increased police presence, temporary road closures, or restricted access in some locations as this important work is carried out. 'We understand that events such as this can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and the wider community. Below are some links to support services available for residents who may have been affected, including emotional well-being support and guidance on accessing further assistance.' A Met Police spokesman said they are investigating the deaths, which are being treated as unexpected, and their next-of-kin have been informed. Southwark Coroners Court told the Daily Mail: 'This matter has been referred to this office. The Metropolitan Police are currently conducting their investigation, and we are providing assistance where necessary. No further comment will be made at this stage.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.