A primary school is leading the investigation after a tree fell on a man’s car during Storm Boelo, killing him on a Finchley road.
James Abiwon, 29, died following the tree fall due to extreme weather during Storm Boelo on Sunday 25 October afternoon. Emergency services were called to Dollis Road in Finchley, at the junction with Abercon Road, and James was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a report by local paper The Finch, Barnet Council has said that the tree’s maintenance was not the responsibility of the council. Instead, the council says the tree fell within the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School.
A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “The school is leading the investigation into the incident, with support from the council.”
Not alone at the scene
James was not alone during the tragedy. Clifford Sailsman, 58, was there and held him in his arms during his final moments. It is understood that James was driving his car when the incident occurred.
James’ cousin Austin Okolo, an entrepreneur and TV commentator, said that he was “just in the wrong place in the wrong time”. He said: “Every time I saw him, I had joy in my face. I loved that guy to bits.”
James grew up in north west London and was just weeks away from celebrating his 30th birthday. This year, he intended to “do something productive” for the big day by holding a padel fundraising event. Despite his sudden death, his loved ones hope to continue on his legacy by holding the event, with all proceeds going to the family.
The question of who was responsible for the tree — the council or the school — is now central to the investigation, and the school’s findings, with council support, will determine what happens next. The tragedy follows a fire on Kilburn High Road that left four people in hospital and a Wandsworth bus passenger jailed after a false suicide vest claim — a week in which emergency services have been called to a string of serious incidents across the capital.
