Couple found dead in campervan after cider festival poisoned

Couple Found Dead in Van After Cider Festival

A couple discovered dead inside their van after a cider festival were found to have been poisoned, an inquest heard.

Kayleigh Coll, 38, and Chris Coll, 45, were found dead inside the campervan on Pound Lane in Burley, Hampshire, on Sunday after attending the New Forest Cider Festival nearby.

Cause of Death and Inquest Details

The couple, who shared four children, Shyla, Alex, Kaizer, and Emily, had their preliminary cause of death given as carbon monoxide toxicity at their inquest at Winchester Coroner’s Court.

Area coroner Nicholas Walker was told a gas heater was found in their caravan.

Mr. Walker adjourned the full inquests until July 22.

Community Response and Fundraiser

Their sudden deaths left their families and friends ‘heartbroken.’ A fundraiser to help look after their children, who are living with relatives, has raised more than £30,000.

The couple from Blandford Forum were remembered as ‘the kind of couple that made people believe in love again.’

Tributes from Loved Ones

In a tribute posted on a GoFundMe page, their loved ones said: ‘Kayleigh and Chris were soul mates. The way they loved each other was beautiful. It was everything they both ever wanted.’

Kayleigh was described as ‘the most selfless, thoughtful person always putting everyone else’s needs before her own,’ who had ‘always longed to be a mum, and she showed us all how to be the best one before she became one herself.’

‘It was always written in the stars that she would be amazing at it.’

Chris was an ‘amazing man and father behind that tough exterior; he was a warm, gentle, and kind soul; he wasn’t just a friend, he was a brother.’

Chris had become ‘incredibly resilient and strong’ after losing his brother and his mother, the tribute said.

‘The love, commitment, and values he had in life were completely on par with Kayleigh which is why it was fitting they were matched and became man and wife,’ the family said.

Update on Fundraiser

In an update, they said: ‘We’ve recently decided to raise the goal to help with the ongoing needs of the children. Their family members who have stepped in to take care and custody of the children will now have to make adaptations to their existing homes and vehicles so that everything is safe and accessible for them.’

Police Statement

Police described the ‘soul mates’ deaths as ‘unexpected.’ Authorities were reportedly alerted by paramedics that the two had been found dead shortly after midday on October 12.

Tributes poured in after the news of the couple’s death emerged. Kayleigh Jones posted: ‘We’ve grown up together and I watched you turn into an incredible mum. You were the most selfless person ever. You deserved your happily ever after more than anyone I know.’

‘None of you deserved this. Life is so cruel. The only solace in this whole thing is that you went together, peacefully. My heart is broken. We will never get over this. I’m sending you all so much love.’

Statement from New Forest Cider

A spokesperson for New Forest Cider, who ran the festival, said: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of two individuals who attended the New Forest Cider Festival this weekend. Our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends at this very difficult time.’

‘The incident occurred in a private vehicle on Saturday night and was not connected to the event itself. The police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances, and we are co-operating fully with their inquiries.’