Tragic Details Emerge in Teen Carbon Monoxide Deaths at Holiday Park
A devastating inquest has revealed the final, poignant moments of two teenagers who died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning during a family holiday in Bridlington. Cherish Bean, aged 15, and her boyfriend Ethan Slater, 17, were found dead in a cabin at Little Eden Holiday Park last month, with the hearing uncovering heartbreaking details about their last hours.
Final Hours and Heartbreaking Text Message
Senior coroner Professor Paul Marks told Hull Coroner's Court that both teenagers had been "fit and well" when the family spent the evening together on February 17. Cherish left the main family cabin around 9 p.m. to join Ethan in a smaller cabin known as the "Mancave" to watch television.
After approximately one hour, Cherish returned to the main cabin complaining of a headache. The family administered Calpol because they had no paracetamol available. Later that evening, after 10 p.m., Cherish sent a final text message to her mother saying goodnight and expressing her love.
"Cherish texted her mother after 10 p.m. to say goodnight and that she loved her," Professor Marks stated during the hearing. "She died that night." Ethan had returned to the cabin at a similar time, and both teenagers were discovered deceased the following morning.
Criminal Investigation Underway
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson of Humberside Police revealed that four individuals "associated with the management and maintenance" of the holiday park have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. All four have been interviewed and released on bail pending further investigation.
When Professor Marks asked whether there was reason to believe the deaths were "associated with carbon monoxide poisoning," Mr. Robinson confirmed this was the case. The official medical cause of death remains pending the forensic pathologist's examination, but investigators have recovered the cabin's boiler for forensic evaluation with support from specialist gas engineers.
The Health and Safety Executive and the National Crime Agency have also been consulted as part of the ongoing investigation. Professor Marks adjourned the inquest until after the police investigation concludes, extending his condolences to both families.
Families' Heartbreaking Tributes
In a tribute released by police last month, Cherish's mother described her daughter as "my girl, my world, my love, my everything." She continued: "My perfect girl, my angel, has left this world, and we are broken as a family. I am broken as a mother, and I will never ever be the same again."
"We were away for a few nights making the best memories ever. We have had the best life together, and it has been ripped from under us. There are no words, I am shattered and will never recover."
Ethan's mother remembered her son as "the most beautiful young man to walk the earth," describing him as generous, loving, charming, and kind. "His smile was contagious, and he could light up any room he walked into," she said.
She added: "Cherish was the apple of Ethan's eye; everyone could see how smitten they both were. She was beautiful, elegant, and made Ethan happy. We know you will keep each other young and safe."
The tragedy has highlighted the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in holiday accommodations, with a full police investigation now underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to these preventable deaths.
