Son of Grenfell victim: ‘I pray I will die so I can be with my father in heaven’
TEARS fell on the third day of the Grenfell Tower inquiry as a son said he wanted to die so he could join his father in heaven. Hamid Ali Jafari, whose father Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, was killed in the blaze, said he prayed every day that he would die so he could see his father again.
Hamid Ali Jafari says he prays for death to reunite with his father
Speaking quietly, as his sister and mother cried, he said: “I have never dreamed or thought of going to heaven but now I fight every day, every second, because I want to join my dad.”
Mr Jafari Snr was pulled from Grenfell Tower by firefighters after losing contact with his family. He was pronounced dead at the scene owing to inhalation of fumes.
The grandfather, who lived on the 11th floor, was described as a kind man and husband who loved animals and travelling.
His son said in a video tribute: “I think the happiest moment he had was when my son was born because he was attached to him a lot.
“Both of them were connected to each other, so sometimes when I see my son I feel like my dad’s soul came in my son.”
I have never dreamed or thought of going to heaven but now I fight every day, every second, because I want to join my dad
The disaster inquiry also heard that a Manchester United fan who died in the Grenfell blaze was buried in his team’s kit and scarf.
Grieving relatives of Gary Maunders said the avid supporter and former amateur player insisted on the football-themed funeral years before his death.
His nieces Chanel and Kenita Spence wept as they paid tribute to the “charming, respectful and kind” uncle, who was once scouted by Arsenal.
The 57-year-old former painter and decorator’s body was found on the 23rd floor of the burnt-out tower.
His nieces told the hearing in a video tribute: “Gary had always said that when he passed over he would want to have the Manchester United song played at his funeral.
“He would want to be dressed in the entire kit, scarf and everything. And that is exactly what we as a family did for him.”
His ex-wife, Ana Pumar, the mother of his two youngest children, said he was “without doubt” a devoted father who loved his family.
“The loss of their father, his love and presence in their life has been devastating for our children,” she added.
Tribute was also paid to Zainab Deen, 32, and her “handsome and cheerful” son Jeremiah, two, who was found by her side on the 14th floor.
In a statement read by Michael Mansfield, QC, their family said they could not find a reason why the boy had been taken at such a young age.
The family said: “Throughout your short time here on Earth, you were so connected with your mother that even death cannot separate you both.”
Father recalls holding stillborn son after Grenfell Tower fire
Tony Disson, 65, was remembered by his children Harry, Alfie and Charlie as a proud father who encouraged their passion for boxing.
Alfie said in a recorded message: “He wasn’t the richest person in the world but he was rich with love”
Mr Disson’s second wife, Cordelia, said: “Tony will always be my first love and he will be my last.”
The inquiry, in South Kensington, west London, continues.