An inquest into the tragic deaths of two teenagers at a holiday park has heard that a 15-year-old girl complained of a headache shortly before she and her boyfriend were discovered unresponsive. Cherish Adele Bean, 15, and Ethan Harry Slater, 17, were described as 'fit and well' prior to being found dead at Little Eden Holiday Park near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, last month.
Details from the Inquest Hearing
At East Riding Coroner's Court on Tuesday, area coroner Paul Marks outlined the events leading up to the deaths. The teenagers had been staying in a lodge known as the Man Cave at the holiday park. Cherish left the main family cabin at 9pm to watch TV with Ethan in the smaller adjacent lodge.
She returned to the main cabin at 9.50pm, complaining of a headache, and took Calpol as the family had no paracetamol. After speaking with her mother, Cherish went back to bed in the small lodge and sent a final text message at 10.20pm saying 'goodnight, I love you'. Ethan had returned to the cabin at a similar time.
Criminal Investigation and Arrests
The inquest was informed that a criminal investigation into 'gross negligence manslaughter involving carbon monoxide poisoning' is ongoing. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the management and maintenance of the site.
DCI Ben Robinson detailed the investigation, which includes witness accounts from family and friends, examinations of all cabins at Little Eden Country Park, and consultation with the Health and Safety Executive and specialist gas engineers. A boiler recovered from the couple's lodge is being forensically examined.
Three men aged 27, 33, and 42, along with a fourth person, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and released on conditional bail. The precise medical cause of death for the teenagers has not yet been formally confirmed.
Emotional Tributes from Families
In tributes released through police, Cherish's mother expressed being 'shattered' by her daughter's death, describing her as 'my perfect girl, my angel'. She urged others to hug their children, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.
Ethan's mother remembered him as 'the most beautiful young man to walk the earth', highlighting his generosity, loving nature, and contagious smile. She noted that Cherish was 'the apple of Ethan's eye', and both families hope the teenagers are at peace together.
Ongoing Proceedings and Condolences
Coroner Paul Marks extended his condolences to the families, acknowledging the 'tragic and unexpected loss'. The full inquest will be held at a future date yet to be fixed. The Health and Safety Executive is assisting Humberside Police and East Riding of Yorkshire Council with their enquiries.
This case underscores the severe risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of proper maintenance in holiday accommodations. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
