The man who fell to Earth - podcast

In 2001, Mohammed Ayaz attempted to enter the UK by hiding in the wheel bay of a British Airways Boeing 777 flying from Bahrain to London Heathrow. Tragically, his body fell from the aircraft during its descent and was discovered in a Richmond car park. Following the identification of his remains, journalist Esther Addley from the Guardian sought out his family, who lived in a rural village in northern Pakistan. They revealed that Mohammed had tried to immigrate legally but faced obstacles in doing so. Twenty-three years later, Khalil Ullah, Mohammed's younger brother, reached out to Esther to express his gratitude for her coverage of his brother's story. He was in England for his higher studies and wished to visit the site where Mohammed fell. This message highlighted the lasting impact of Mohammed's tragic fate on his family and the ongoing relevance of immigration struggles. Esther's original article not only shed light on Mohammed's life and death but also opened a dialogue about the broader issues surrounding immigration and the lengths individuals go to in search of a better life. Khalil's desire to meet Esther and visit the site of his brother's death underscores the personal connections and emotional weight behind such stories. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the desperate measures some individuals take when faced with limited options. It also illustrates the enduring legacy of those who have lost their lives in pursuit of hope and opportunity.