In a heartbreaking incident in Greater Noida, a 37-year-old woman and her 11-year-old son died after jumping from the balcony of their 13th-floor apartment on Friday, media reports said.

Police say the mother, distressed over her child’s prolonged mental illness, is believed to have taken the extreme step.

The deceased have been identified as Sakshi Chawla and her son Daksh, residents of Ace City, Greater Noida West. Daksh had reportedly been under treatment for mental health issues for over a decade.

Sakshi’s husband, Darpan Chawla, a chartered accountant, was at home when the incident occurred.

He told police he was in another room when he heard a scream. Rushing to the balcony, he saw his wife and son lying on the ground below.

Police officers reached the spot shortly after, recovered the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem.

A suicide note was found at the family’s residence, where Sakshi apologised to her husband, writing: “We are leaving this world... Sorry. We do not want to trouble you anymore. Your life should not be ruined because of us. No one is responsible for our death.”

Neighbours have been left deeply shaken by the incident. Police said preliminary findings suggest mental stress drove Sakshi to the act, though a detailed probe is underway.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida) Shakti Avasthy said: “A police team found a suicide note and learnt that the son was unwell for some time. We are taking necessary steps.”