A homeless Algerian asylum seeker tragically died after becoming trapped while attempting to enter an empty house in Walthamstow, leading to his death from starvation and dehydration, an inquest has revealed.

The body of Khaled Aribi, 32, from Camden, was discovered on July 27, 2024, by an estate agent who arrived for a property viewing on Hatherley Road. Mr. Aribi had been hanging from a skylight for nearly a week before being found.

“Unusual Circumstances” Surrounding Tragic Death

During an inquest held at East London Coroner’s Court, Coroner Dr. Shirley Radcliffe described the circumstances as “somewhat unusual.”

“The deceased male was hanging from a skylight in the ceiling,” she told the court.

It is believed that Mr. Aribi gained access to the roof above the kitchen, attempting to break into the vacant property through the skylight. Tragically, the skylight closed on his fingers, trapping his hand between the glass pane and the stone ceiling, leaving him unable to free himself.

“On the ground around the perimeter of the skylight were small pieces of stone,” Dr. Radcliffe noted. “It was clear this was his intended point of entry, as all other doors and windows were locked.”

Discovery and Investigation

Police were able to identify Mr. Aribi through fingerprints. CCTV footage captured him climbing over the property’s garden wall six days before his body was discovered.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was due to dehydration, starvation, and ketoacidosis—a life-threatening condition that results from high levels of acid in the blood due to malnourishment.

Toxicology reports indicated the presence of cocaine and Pregabalin, a psychiatric drug commonly used for anxiety and epilepsy, in Mr. Aribi’s system at the time of his death.

A Vulnerable Life Lost

Mr. Aribi had been living without a fixed address at the time of his death. He was known to mental health services and had been under the care of the Camden and Islington Mental Health Team in late 2023. He suffered from mixed anxiety and depression and was on a waiting list for counselling.

The inquest revealed that Mr. Aribi had been identified as a “very vulnerable adult” and was noted to be “at risk of sexual exploitation.” He had been seeking asylum in the UK, with his mental health struggles partly attributed to traumatic experiences in his home country, Algeria.

“This was a deeply tragic accident involving a vulnerable individual who had been struggling with mental health issues and homelessness,” said Coroner Dr. Radcliffe. “He died alone, in desperate circumstances.”

Coroner’s Conclusion

The coroner ruled Mr. Aribi’s death as an accident, concluding that the entrapment led to his death from dehydration and starvation over several days.

A Tragic Reminder of Vulnerability

Mr. Aribi’s story sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by homeless individuals, particularly asylum seekers and those suffering from mental health issues. Advocacy groups have called for more robust support systems to prevent such tragedies.

“This heartbreaking case highlights the extreme vulnerability faced by asylum seekers and the urgent need for better access to housing, mental health services, and community support,” said a spokesperson from Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity.

Support and Assistance

If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness or mental health issues, support is available:

• Shelter: Call 0808 800 4444 or visit shelter.org.uk
• Samaritans: For emotional support, call 116 123 or email [email protected]
• Refugee Council: Support for asylum seekers at 0207 346 6700 or refugeecouncil.org.uk

The tragic loss of Khaled Aribi serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerable lives that can fall through the cracks in society.