A tragic incident unfolded last month at a holiday park in Bridlington, where two teenagers, Ethan Slater, 17, and Cherish Bean, 15, were found dead in their lodge. Initial investigations suggest the couple’s deaths may be linked to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The pair were vacationing with family at Little Eden Holiday Park when they were discovered deceased on February 17, 2024. An inquest held at Hull Coroner’s Court revealed that both teenagers were in good health earlier in the evening. They had spent time with family before Cherish moved to a smaller cabin, affectionately named the “Mancave,” to watch television with Ethan.
According to the inquest, at approximately 21:00, Cherish experienced a headache and returned to the main cabin to take some Calpol, as the family did not have paracetamol. After returning to the lodge, she sent a final text message to her mother around 22:00, expressing her love and saying goodnight. Shortly after, 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 been interviewed and subsequently released on bail.
During the inquest, Professor Paul Marks inquired whether there were grounds to suspect that carbon monoxide poisoning was related to the couple’s deaths. Detective Chief Inspector Robinson confirmed that there was a possibility. The investigation is ongoing, with the official cause of death still pending the results from a forensic pathologist.
In a significant move, the boiler from the lodge has been retrieved for further forensic assessment, assisted by specialist gas engineers. Both the Health and Safety Executive and the National Crime Agency are involved in the inquiry. Professor Marks has postponed the inquest until the police investigation concludes, extending condolences to the families of the deceased.
Cherish’s mother shared her devastation in a statement released by the police, stating, “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.”
As the community mourns this tragic loss, the investigation continues, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two young lives.
