Dave Power, (and right) the building where the lecturer fell to his death

Published: 10 August, 2012
by PETER GRUNER

POLICE are investigating the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a lecturer following his fall from the top floor of an eight-storey tower block at London Met University in Holloway.

Staff and union officials paid tribute to Dave Power, 49, who was found dead last Thursday on the pavement outside the university’s tower block in Holloway Road at the junction with Rollit Street.

Police are not seeking anyone in connection with the death and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

News of the death of the popular staff member shocked close colleagues. His friends were offered the use of the university’s counselling service.

Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to a strong union activist and campaigner. He said: “I’m very sorry to hear about Dave Power’s death and hope the investigation finds out exactly what happened leading up to this tragedy.
“He was an active union man, defending jobs and rights of all members in the wake of closures and privatisation. My deep condolences to his family.”

Mr Power, who taught IT and media studies, was described as an inspiring tutor, musician and a creative and talented person whose real potential might not yet have been reached. Trade union Unison has set up a tribute website.

Police said that officers were called to the university at about 11.10am last Thursday by reports that a man had fallen from a building.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem was held and next of kin informed.

Rosalind Hanmer, a work colleague and friend, has written: “Dave Power was a mild-mannered, gentle man who focused on humanity through his constant development of not only his own personal education but the education of all students and staff through his work and wisdom as an IT/media officer.
“Dave excelled through his creative talent as a part-time lecturer running courses for Birkbeck in the TV studio. He touched many people’s life with his smile and laughter.”

Another colleague, Thomas Kamp, from the performing arts department, wrote: “This is deeply shocking. I am speechless. Dave was one of the most uplifting and supportive colleagues at London Met. He was a model of a kind and aware person, always helpful, positive and radiating intelligence mixed with a great sense of humour.”

A spokesman for the university said: “We have written to all staff to notify them and to offer them our support services. The university extends its deepest sympathies to the family.”

Colleagues and friends who would like to share memories of Dave Power can email unison@londonmet.ac.uk.