A tragic incident involving two teenagers at a holiday park has raised serious concerns about safety standards. Ethan Slater, 17, and Cherish Bean, 15, were found deceased in their lodge at the Little Eden Holiday Park in Bridlington on February 17, 2023. An inquest into their deaths suggests that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the cause.
During the opening of the inquest at Hull Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that both teens appeared to be “fit and well” prior to the incident. They were enjoying a holiday with family when, at approximately 21:00, Cherish moved to a smaller cabin, known as the “Mancave,” with Ethan to watch television. About an hour later, she returned to the main cabin, reporting a headache. Cherish took some Calpol, as there was no paracetamol available.
After returning to the smaller lodge, Cherish sent a heartfelt text to her mother just after 22:00, saying goodnight and expressing her love. It was around this time that Ethan also returned to the main cabin.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson of Humberside Police reported that four individuals connected to the management and maintenance of the holiday park have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. These individuals have since been interviewed and released on bail.
When asked by Professor Paul Marks, the senior coroner, about the suspicion that carbon monoxide poisoning could be involved, Det Ch Insp Robinson confirmed there is a basis for this concern. He informed the court that the boiler from the lodge has been seized and is undergoing a forensic assessment, conducted with the assistance of specialist gas engineers. Both the Health and Safety Executive and the National Crime Agency have been consulted as part of the investigation.
The inquest has been postponed until the police investigation concludes, with Professor Marks extending his condolences to the families of the deceased.
In an emotional statement released earlier, Cherish’s mother expressed her devastation: “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. If you know me, I live and breathe my babies, and 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.”
As the investigation continues, this incident highlights the need for rigorous safety measures in holiday accommodations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
