A coroner has written a scathing letter to a restaurant business and the building owners after the death of a 16-year-old boy – the second in less than three years. Senior Coroner Alison Hewitt took the rare step of writing to the companies before the completion of an inquest, reminding them of their previous assurances after the death of another young male in similar circumstances.
After the death of Abel Solomon Hadgu on November 17 2022, the businesses told an inquest, held in December last year, that there had been ‘structural and operational changes’ to avoid another tragedy. But Ms Hewitt said Alexander Cardoza ‘was able to and did’ find a way to die at the location on March 27, 2025.
The coroner wrote: “It seems that no or no sufficient action has been taken to prevent persons being able to… and that there is an ongoing risk of further deaths. The ongoing risk is exacerbated by the fact that there have now been two deaths in similar circumstances, thereby increasing the risk of others copying.”
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Ms Hewitt then listed ways in which features of the location could still be overcome, and may even assist someone seeking to end their life. “In my opinion immediate action should be taken to prevent future deaths by addressing the concerns set out above and I believe your organisation have the power to take such action,” she added.
The local authority planning team, licensing team, and police force were also sent a copy of the report, but are under no duty to respond. The companies, however, must reply by May 29 this month, setting out a timetable for action or an explanation of why no action is proposed.
Both companies, which MyLondon has chosen not to name, were approached for comment, but did not respond.
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