A tragic incident unfolded as a married couple was discovered deceased inside a camper van in New Forest, succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to information presented at an inquest. The victims, Christopher and Kayleigh Coll of Blandford Forum, Dorset, were found lifeless in their vehicle on October 12 during their attendance at the New Forest Cider Festival in Burley. The couple, described as inseparable partners, left behind four children – Shyla, Alex, Kaizer, and Emily – who are now under the care of family members.
During the inquest at Winchester Coroners Court, it was revealed that the camper van was being heated with gas, and despite efforts by paramedics, Christopher and Kayleigh could not be revived at the scene. The initial cause of death was identified as carbon monoxide toxicity by Area Coroner Nicholas Walker, who adjourned the proceedings until July 22, 2026. In the wake of the tragedy, the family issued a tribute honoring the couple as vibrant, kind, and dedicated parents.
A fundraising initiative on GoFundMe was launched to support the children, gathering over £30,000 towards a £37,000 target. Mr. Coll, the proprietor of Mystacoll’s Spirit specializing in handcrafted copper art and jewelry, had expressed excitement on Facebook about the cider festival before the unfortunate incident occurred.
The family of the deceased couple emphasized the significant void left by their loss and requested privacy to mourn while ensuring the well-being of their children. A close acquaintance of the couple shared heartfelt sentiments on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the untimely loss. The New Forest Cider Festival organizers extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, clarifying that the incident took place in a private setting unrelated to the event and was not of a suspicious nature.