The Bronx dad of two who plunged to his death along with his wife on his birthday was an actor and aspiring filmmaker from Albania.
Florind Belliu, 35, and his spouse Ornela Shehi, 28, were found in the rear courtyard of 2199 Cruger Ave. around 9:15 a.m. Saturday, police sources said.
Shehi was caught on video plunging from the building’s sixth floor first and hitting the alleyway, with Belliu landing seconds later, sources said. Cops said the circumstances surrounding the deaths were unclear.
Belliu was a graduate of the University of Arts in Tirana, Albania, and performed on TV and in the theater before moving to the US, EuroNews Albania reported. As of two years ago, he was working on two books and a movie script he hoped to pitch to Netflix, the report said.
Police sources said he may have been recently working as a livery driver to help make ends meet.
Fellow Albanian actor Cela Irgen mourned his friend in an emotional Instagram post.
“You broke my heart my dear friend,” Irgen wrote in Albanian.
Florind Belliu and Ornela Shehi were a “quiet couple”, according to neighbors. (Kevin C. Downs for The New York
The couple had two children. Kevin C. Downs
Police investigate the scene of the tragedy. Kevin C. DownsAnother Albanian thespian, Andi Llabuti, said on Facebook, “Why bro, why bro…did you choose this path?
“Why didn’t you think a little about your family, your mother and your sisters? … You made us so sad that there is no explanation!”
Sources said cops had never received reports of domestic violence related to the couple, who moved into the building with their two young kids about four months ago.
The double tragedy left loved ones who arrived at the scene Saturday hugging and sobbing on the sidewalk. Belliu’s devastated mother was seen wailing in pain. She declined comment.
A young boy is shielded from the scene of the fatal plunge. Kevin C. DownsThe deceased dad had previously been reported to be “emotionally disturbed” and missing in April, before cops located him in the 48th Precinct, sources said.
Neighbors told The Post on Saturday that the pair were a “quiet couple” who “kept to themselves,” and were often seen taking walks — but also that Belliu had been seen visibly angry Friday.
“I’ve seen them always buying things for the house, like every day together, with two kids together, we didn’t recognize there was something wrong,” said Shadie Perkaj, the wife of the building’s super.
She said Saturday was Belliu’s birthday.
A neighbor reacts to the scene of the tragedy in the Bronx. Kevin C. DownsA friend of the dead man, Aldo Sulollari, wrote in Albanian on Facebook, “A little while ago I wished you a happy birthday and you couldn’t answer me.
“I love you so much brother.’’
Belliu’s pal Elona Caslli also mourned her lost friend on Facebook.
“What great pain made you [kill yourself]?!’’ the Caslli wrote in Albanian.
“A multiple tragedy for which there is no word of consolation. God give strength to your children and parents.’’
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
