Does anyone remember an incident from the late 90s/early 00s in which a young man fell to death from Dawsons Heights?

[ryan72020]

I used to live on Ladlands Estate/Dawsons Heights and when I was older my mum and Nan told me that a man fell or jumped from a height and died. They believe he was running away from drug dealers &/or police. I can't find any articles online about this story, so was just wondering if anyone else could remember anything? I lived there from 1995-2001/02 so would've been around those years.

[taliax7]

Hi, I saw your post and just wanted to say that the incident you’re referring to did happen in the late 1980s at Dawson’s Heights. The person involved was named Carl Salawa, and he had just turned 18 years old at the time.

Like you, I haven’t been able to find any news articles or official reports about it, If anyone remembers anything more about that time or incident, I’d really appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks for sharing what you were told—it means a lot to know others remember.

[taliax7]

Thank you for responding. I’m Carl Salawa’s little sister. I was nearly 8 when the incident happened. It’s still a very painful and sensitive topic in my family, so I never really asked too many questions growing up, but what I do know is this:

Carl had just turned 18 and was on his way home that evening after spending time with his girlfriend and a small group of friends. The police claimed he jumped to his death, but his friends and some residents said he was being chased by police around the estate and that he fell. The toxicology report showed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system. Carl was well loved, an army cadet, and had just enlisted in the Army or Air Force. He had recently gotten engaged to his long-term girlfriend. He truly had everything to live for.

Thank you again for remembering and for speaking about it. It really means a lot, especially with so little available publicly.

[IlonaM]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm sure you may have already investigated this route, but there must have been a coroner's inquest at the time. You could approach the charity Inquest which might be able to assist and advise you:  https://www.inquest.org.uk/

IIona

[taliax7]

To be candid I know that the matter is still very upsetting and traumatic for my family so I haven't really looked into this at all. However, thank you for sharing the information regarding the coroner's inquest its a route I will definitely explore. 

[MsDulwich]

I'm very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that Carl has never been forgotten in our community.

[HeadNun]

I too am very sorry to hear this, taliax7. It must weigh heavily over you and your family. 

[peckhambog]

Sorry, I really don't mean to be insensitive, but why would someone run from police?

[Alec1]

20 minutes ago, peckhambog said:

Sorry, I really don't mean to be insensitive, but why would someone run from police?

Whilst I am not sure if this is appropriate to this case, I know that often people from minority groups don't feel safe with the police and there have been many incidents where people from minority groups have been mistreated, beaten etc, just for being.   

[hellosailor]

2 hours ago, peckhambog said:

Sorry, I really don't mean to be insensitive, but why would someone run from police?

Unless you're 5 years old or have been living in a cave for several decades you can't be for real. I don't believe that you're genuinely confused by this, no one who has access to newspapers, the tv news, the internet would ask this. Either you're an infant, or have recently woken up from a coma after decades, or you're a supercilious tw*t

[taliax7]

Thank you to everyone who has already shared their thoughts on this.

Dawson Heights Estate in the 1980s, while not as infamous as some other estates, did have its share of anti-social behaviour and petty crime. My brother often used the estate as a shortcut when coming home from his girlfriend’s house, despite my parents warning him many times to avoid it.

Policing during that era had a distinctly “tough on crime” approach. Teenagers, particularly those from working-class areas or minority communities, were routinely stopped, questioned, and in some cases, physically handled for minor infractions like loitering, skateboarding, or underage drinking. Respect for authority wasn’t just expected—it was demanded. Talking back to a police officer could escalate a situation very quickly, often with harsh consequences.

This was a very different time. There were no body cameras, dash cams, or social media to hold anyone accountable or to provide a record of encounters. Policing was far more physical and immediate, with few technological safeguards to check officer behaviour.

My brother wasn’t known to the police. He held a full-time job at the Army and Navy store in Lewisham and had recently been accepted into the army. Yet, on that night, he ran—not because he was guilty of anything—but because he knew exactly what would happen if he were caught on an estate late at night with a group of other boys. He was scared, and rightfully so.

[peckhambog]

Having enjoyed a day with Sayce HolmesLewis, I understand what you’re saying. 
I appreciate your courage responding on here.