A mother, father and their "severely-ill" nine-year-old son died after falling from a luxury London tower block in what is being investigated as a suspected suicide, according to reports.
The family plunged about 400ft from a high-rise apartment in Elephant and Castle on Wednesday, May 27.
The three people have been named by police as father Rakesh Narayan Pai, 47, mother Aditi Vijay Paralkar, originally from India, and their son Sid Pai Paralkar, nine, who was believed to have been born in the UK.
Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle told the Sun: “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.”
Sid was reported to have had kidney disease and had been home-schooled.
According to the Daily Mail, he was partially handicapped and suffered from learning difficulties.
They were believed to have lived on the 36th floor of the 46-storey building.
The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed these details.
Mr Coyle told constituents in a letter: “Sadly, on Wednesday, May 27, in the early morning, police and the London Ambulance Service were called to Churchyard Row after an awful incident involving a family falling multiple stories from the UNCLE building.
“This terrible tragedy saw a child, woman and man discovered with major trauma and despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics who conducted CPR, all three individuals were pronounced dead on site.
“I am so sorry that this awful occurrence has happened by your home.
“The tragic circumstances are not fully known yet, but the police believe it was suicide and are not seeking anyone else at this point (although investigations are ongoing).
“I cannot imagine what situation would lead a family to this terrifying incident, but my thoughts are with their family and loved ones, as well as to their friends and all who knew them locally.”
The UNCLE building describes itself as “London’s tallest residential building”, with a gym, 24/7 concierge service and a sky lounge.
One bedroom apartments are advertised for over £3,000 a month, with two beds for £3,715.
The parents were believed to have been educated at top universities in India before moving to London in the early 2000s.
Rakesh worked as a project manager for a number of banks including Barclays, Santander and Deutsche Bank, according to the Mail.
They couple were reported to have run their own consultancy business, and had bought a flat in Clapham.
The Mail reported friends of the couple saying they left the UK to live in India around six years ago to get Sid specialist medical help, while also providing Aditi with more support from friends and family in Mumbai, where she was born and raised.
It is reported that they were thought to have returned to the UK last year after doctors in India failed to make any improvement with Sid's condition.
One friend reportedly said: “It was a huge stress for both of them but Adi in particular struggled to cope with what was going on. She had no family in the UK and also did a very demanding job, so it was very difficult for her to manage everything.
“It took a huge toll on her mental health, and I think it may have just got too much for her. They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what's happened.”
The Met said in a statement last week that the deaths were being treated as “unexpected” and that next of kin had been informed.
A spokeswoman 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.”
In an updated statement on Tuesday detectives said they are working “at pace” to find out how the family fell.
Acting Detective Superintendent Dan Whitten, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Aditi, Rakesh and Sid’s family and loved ones while we work at pace to establish the facts surrounding these tragic deaths.
“We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances and would encourage members of the public and the press to refrain from speculation.
“We urge anyone with information that may help with our enquiries to come forward.”
Senior Coroner for the London Inner South area Dr. Julian Morris said: “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.”
* If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
