An aspiring Albanian actor and his wife died on Saturday morning after falling from their sixth-floor Bronx apartment.
The couple, identified as Florind Belliu, 35, and Ornela Shehi, 28, by friends and neighbours, was discovered in the courtyard of 2199 Cruger Avenue at Pelham Parkway South in Morris Park at about 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, according to police sources, according to the New York Daily News. About 10 minutes later, their deaths were confirmed.
Authorities are now looking into the fatal incident as the tragic outcome of a possible fight between the two, according to police sources. Neighbors claim they heard shouting just before the couple fell.
One neighbour recalled hearing a child scream, “Mom! Mom!” after the tragic fall while their young sons, ages 6 and 2, were inside the apartment.
According to the video, Belliu followed Shehi a few seconds after she fell from the sixth floor of the building and landed in the alley.
The Medical Examiner’s office said Sunday that it was still awaiting “additional investigative information” before determining the couple’s cause of death.
On Saturday, mourners from the neighbourhood gathered in front of the Bronx apartment complex.
The distraught mother of Belliu collapsed and sobbed upon hearing the tragic news of her son’s passing, according to the New York Daily News.
The Post was informed by police sources that Belliu had previously been reported as being “emotionally disturbed” and missing in April, before being found by police.
However, according to sources, the couple, who only recently moved into the building, had never been the subject of any reports of domestic violence.
They have two sons, who according to their neighbours were at home when the tragic event occurred.
“I’ve seen them constantly purchasing items for the home, like every day together, with two kids together, and we didn’t realise there was a problem,” The Daily News was informed by Shadie Perkaj, the super’s wife.
The couple was described as a “quiet couple” by neighbours who “kept to themselves,” but they recalled seeing Belliu upset on Friday.
Robert Sanchez, a neighbour, said Belliu didn’t have a nice disposition.
Sanchez remarked, “He simply didn’t have a nice vibe when you would walk next to him so I would just keep it going.” They were pretty secluded and kept to themselves.
An employee of the adjoining café Zymi endorsed the idea.
He never had the proper frame of mind. The staffer added, “He would come in for a coffee or meal but wouldn’t talk to anybody else in the neighbourhood.” “The wife never actually spoke.” Although they always appeared to have the kids (with them), she was usually silent and alone.
According to EuroNews Albania, Belliu performed on television and in the theatre after graduating from the University of Arts in Tirana, Albania, before relocating to the United States.
He was reportedly working on two novels and a screenplay, according to the publication. In order to support his family, he may have also been working as a livery driver recently, according to insiders.
On social media, friends and relatives lamented the couple’s death while speculating as to why he would have thrown himself over the building.
Why, my brother, why did you decide to choose this route? When you all held us in your arms and supported you, what was lacking?
Why did you choose a path without a start and an end? Actor Andi Llabuti of Albania published.
How will we explain to [your] mother that we are unable to protect you when she sees us on the street? Why didn’t you consider your family, including your mother and sisters?
We were all aware of your skills and morals, but never this insight! That there is no explanation makes us so sad, you did! May Allah grant you compassion.
Belliu shattered Cela Irgen’s heart, the albanian comedian who dedicated a homage to Belliu on Instagram.
He said in a Sunday post, “I can’t believe I’m creating this status for you.”
“You are ingrained in my heart and thoughts for all the wonderful times we have had together and the love of acting we both have.
May God provide your family fortitude during these trying times, and may you both rest in peace, my friend.