The Metropolitan Police is now leading the investigation into the death of a man killed when a tree fell on his car in Finchley during Storm Boelo.
James Abiwon, 29, died following the tree fall during the afternoon of Saturday, October 25. Emergency services were called to Dollis Road in Finchley, at the junction with Abercon Road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Barnet Council spokesperson has now said: “The police are leading the investigation into the incident, with support from the council.”
The Metropolitan Police has said: “MPS are leading the investigation and [officers] have contacted Barnet Council about this.”
The police takeover is a change from the position when the death was first reported. Barnet Council initially responded to press to say that the tree’s maintenance was not the responsibility of the council. It said at the time that the tree fell within the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School, and the school was leading the investigation.
The timeline runs from the afternoon of October 25, when the tree fell during extreme weather brought by Storm Boelo, through the school-led inquiry reported on October 30, to today, November 6, when the police confirmed they have taken over the investigation with the council’s support.
James was not alone when the tree fell. 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. He was on speaker phone to his girlfriend at the time and spoke with her before his death.
His cousin Austin Okolo, an entrepreneur and TV commentator, said James 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. That guy was such a good person.”
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 his legacy by holding the event, with all proceeds going to the family. “He wanted to build something on his 30th birthday,” Mr Okolo said.
James worked in advertising and sales after graduating from the University of Essex. He was also a talented rapper who enjoyed making music.
Many people gathered on Dollis Road in memory of James, laying flowers and leaving messages behind to honour him. A floral tribute remains on Dollis Road.
Read our earlier report on the school-led inquiry into the tree fall, and our first report on the death on Dollis Road during Storm Boelo.
