Revealed: Wealthy family of three plunged 400ft from luxury apartment on 36th floor of a London tower block to their deaths
It turned out that the family of three who fell 120 meters from a skyscraper in London was rich and lived in a luxury flat.
The man, woman and child were found dead after falling from the 36th-floor balcony of a high-rise building in Elephant and Castle, south London, into a courtyard last Wednesday.
The family lived in the Highpoint tower, which houses 458 ostentatious apartments rented mostly by international students and middle-class young professionals from affluent backgrounds in East Asia.
The block once housed more than 500 refugees, who described it as a ‘hostel from hell’.
But after being redeveloped by Canadian real estate group Realstar Living and rebranded as UNCLE Elephant and Castle, it now has a Sky Lounge bar on its top floor, an on-site gym, co-working space and underground parking.
The block, which houses a 300-seat theater currently leased to Southwark Playhouse, is said to be London’s tallest residential building and has views ‘that would make the Shard jealous’.
Residents can see the London Eye, Wembley stadium and the River Thames from their balconies and feel safe with 24-hour concierge and security service.
The monthly rent for one-bedroom studio flats in the block is £2,700, while the rent for two-bedroom flats is £3,800.
Last Wednesday, a man, woman and child died after falling from a 36th-floor apartment.
The family lived in the Highpoint tower, which houses 458 ostentatious apartments rented mostly by international students from affluent backgrounds in East Asia.
Each apartment features a spacious living, dining and kitchen area equipped with premium Siemens appliances, Danish design furniture and a private yellow balcony with a glass barrier.
Many residents are students studying at local universities such as Kings College London, London South Bank and the University of Arts, all within walking distance.
Only a few families live in modern apartments.
People living in the block said they were unaware of the identities of the deceased family.
‘There is zero sense of community here. ‘No one knows their neighbors,’ said one resident.
Residents reported hearing ‘yells and screams’ from the family’s home in the weeks before the fall.
A woman who lives in the building said: ‘I’ve been hearing shouting and screaming for the last two weeks. It has stopped since Wednesday.
‘The police knocked on the door and asked if I heard shouting and screaming. ‘I told them yes and assumed it was a local.’
Each apartment features a spacious living, dining and kitchen area equipped with premium Siemens appliances, Danish design furniture and a private yellow balcony with a glass barrier.
The block is said to be London’s tallest residential building and has views “that would make the Shard jealous”.
Some are skeptical about the ‘fall’. One of them said: ‘It is impossible for even a tall adult to fall through the glass barriers here. Barriers are higher than chest height.’
The day after the tragedy, an email was sent to residents warning of increased police presence and temporary road closures.
It read: ‘Dear Residents, You may have seen some news about the tragic incident at the UNCLE Elephant and Castle on Wednesday morning.
‘There was loss of life in the incident; Our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. We recognize that such incidents can cause concern and distress in the community and our thoughts are with anyone who may have been affected.
‘Specialist and special teams from the Metropolitan Police Service are currently investigating the incident and will remain in the area over the coming days while investigations continue.
‘While this important work is being carried out you may notice increased police presence, temporary road closures or access restricted in some locations.
‘We understand that incidents 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 be affected, including emotional health support and guidance on accessing further help.’
A Met Police spokesman said they were investigating the deaths, which were treated as unexpected, and relatives had been informed.
Southwark Coroner’s Court told the Daily Mail: ‘This matter has been referred to this office. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating and we are providing assistance where necessary. ‘No further comment will be made at this stage.’
