The tight-knit community of East Kilbride and the cast of Channel 4's Hollyoaks are united in grief this week, following the devastating funeral of a beloved mother and stepfather to one of the soap's stars.
Callum Kerr, known for his role as Felix Westwood, was surrounded by family and friends as he said a final goodbye to his mother, Carol-Anne Kerr, 57, and stepfather, Douglas Kerr, 64. The couple was found deceased in their Scottish home in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide.
A Community in Mourning
The joint service, held at a crematorium, was a poignant and sombre affair. Mourners, including Kerr's Hollyoaks co-stars offering their silent support, were seen embracing under grey skies. The profound loss was palpable, painting a starkly different picture from the bright lights of the television studio Kerr usually inhabits.
A heartfelt floral tribute captured the family's anguish, reading: "To my beautiful mum and Doug. I love you both more than words could ever say. I'm utterly heartbroken. Love you always, your heartbroken son Callum."
Shock and Heartbreak
The tragedy unfolded on August 28th when police were called to a property on Greenhills Square. They discovered the bodies of Carol-Anne and Douglas inside. While formal identification is pending, the families have been informed and are receiving support.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "The deaths are being treated as non-suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. There appears to be no threat to the wider community." This wording is often used in cases where a murder-suicide is the leading line of enquiry.
Friends and neighbours have described the couple as "devoted" and "lovely, quiet people," making the shocking nature of their deaths even more difficult to comprehend. Douglas, a retired Ministry of Defence police officer, and Carol-Anne, a dedicated NHS administrative worker, were seen as a pillar of their local community.
As the investigation continues to establish the full circumstances, the focus remains on a son and a family navigating an unimaginable loss, reminding us all of the human stories behind the headlines.
