Today in Focus Revisited: The man who fell to Earth
5 snips
Dec 27, 2024 
Esther Addley, a Guardian journalist, shares the heartbreaking story of Mohammed Ayaz, who fell from a plane in 2001, and the profound impact on his brother, Khalil Ullah. They discuss the emotional journey of reconnection and closure brought about by grief. Addley highlights the aspirations and struggles that led Ayaz to seek a better life, as well as the family’s enduring memory of loss. The poignant visit to the site of discovery at Heathrow serves as a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance, weaving together themes of family and resilience.
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The Stowaway in the Car Park
- In 2001, Esther Addley, a young journalist at The Guardian, investigated a short news clipping about a body found in a Homebase car park.
- The police quickly identified the deceased as a stowaway who fell from a plane's wheel bay.
Connecting with the Family
- The stowaway was identified as Mohammed Ayaz.
- Years later, his younger brother, Khalil Ullah, contacted Esther after reading her article about Mohammed.
Mohammed's Journey
- Mohammed Ayaz, from a poor farming family in Pakistan, sought a better life abroad.
- After facing hardship in Dubai, he tried to reach the UK without telling his family.