Tragic Discovery at Little Eden Holiday Park
A teenage girl who was discovered deceased in a holiday park cabin had reported suffering from a headache before retiring for the evening, a coroner's court has been informed. The heartbreaking case involves Cherish Bean, aged 15, and her boyfriend Ethan Slater, aged 17, who both lost their lives in a cabin at the Little Eden Holiday Park located in Bridlington during the previous month.
Details from the Inquest Opening
The initial hearing into their untimely deaths revealed that the young couple had been enjoying a family holiday at the time of the incident. Both individuals were described as being 'fit and well' throughout the evening of February 17. Senior coroner Professor Paul Marks provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the tragedy.
According to Professor Marks, Cherish departed from the main family group at approximately 9 p.m. to watch television in a smaller cabin, colloquially known as the 'Mancave', where she was staying with Ethan. After about an hour, she returned to the primary cabin complaining of a headache. The hearing at Hull Coroner's Court on Tuesday, March 10, was told that she consumed some Calpol because the family did not have any paracetamol available.
Cherish subsequently went back to the smaller lodge and sent a text message to her mother after 10 p.m. to say goodnight and express her love. Ethan returned to the cabin around a similar time, the court heard.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson, representing Humberside Police, disclosed that four individuals 'associated with the management and maintenance' of the holiday park have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. These persons have since been interviewed and released on bail pending further inquiries.
When questioned by Professor Marks about whether there was reason to believe the deaths were 'associated with carbon monoxide poisoning', Mr. Robinson confirmed that this was indeed the case. He informed the hearing that the official medical cause of death remains pending, awaiting the forensic pathologist’s examination.
Mr. Robinson further stated that the boiler from the cabin has been recovered, and a comprehensive forensic evaluation has been completed with the support of specialist gas engineers. Additionally, consultations have taken place with the Health and Safety Executive and the National Crime Agency to assist in the investigation.
Coroner's Adjournment and Family Tributes
Professor Marks has adjourned the inquest proceedings until after the conclusion of the police investigation. He expressed his deepest sympathies, stating, "I would like, once again, to extend my condolences to both the families of these young people."
In a poignant tribute to her daughter, Cherish’s mother shared her profound grief, saying, "My girl, my world, my love, my everything. 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." She reflected on the holiday, noting they were "away for a few nights making the best memories ever," and urged others to cherish their children.
Ethan’s mother also paid a moving tribute, describing her son as "the most beautiful young man to walk the earth." She highlighted his generous, loving, and kind nature, adding, "His smile was contagious, and he could light up any room he walked into." She expressed that Cherish was "the apple of Ethan’s eye," and hoped they would look after each other in peace.
