Christopher and Kayleigh Coll, described as ‘soul mates’, were found dead in their camper van at the New Forest Cider Festival in Burley in October with an inquest now hearing preliminary findings
A married couple tragically found dead in a New Forest camper van were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, an inquest has heard.
Christopher and Kayleigh Coll, from Blandford Forum, Dorset, were found dead in their vehicle on October 12 while attending the New Forest Cider Festival in Burley. The couple – described as “soul mates” – left behind their four children Shyla, Alex, Kaizer and Emily, with relatives since having stepped in to take care of them.
At an inquest into their deaths opened at Winchester Coroners’ Court on Monday, the court heard that gas heating was being used in the camper van, and that paramedics were unable to revive either Christopher, 48, or Kayleigh, 38, at the scene.
Area coroner Nicholas Walker gave a preliminary cause of death as carbon monoxide toxicity, and adjourned the proceedings until July 22, 2026. Following the tragedy, the family released a tribute describing the couple as “vibrant, kind, and devoted to their four children.A GoFundMe page set up to provide for the needs of the children has since raised over £30,000 of a £37,000 fundraising goal. Mr Coll, who ran Mystacoll’s Spirit which sold handcrafted copper art, crystals, clothing and jewellery, had posted on Facebook ahead of the cider festival: “Huge excitement for us as we set up our marquee today ready for the @newforestciderfestival in Burley this weekend!!”, reports the Mirror.
The family of the couple, who had four children, said in a statement released through police: “Their loss has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who loved them. Our priority now is to protect and support their children and allow our families the privacy and time we need to grieve.
“We kindly ask that the public and press respect our privacy and refrain from speculation or intrusive reporting during this deeply painful time. The families are cooperating fully with the authorities as they complete their investigations.”
One person close to the pair shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook following their deaths, writing: “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 f****** 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.”
Another posted: “The sky shines brighter now with 2 more stars. I know there will many ‘Mummy’s’ on here that will remember Kayleigh and her extremely big heart. Chris and Kay you will be so greatly missed by so many.”
The festival organisers expressed their sorrow over the incident, stating: “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.”