An inquest opening has revealed the heartbreaking final moments of two teenagers who died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a holiday park in East Yorkshire. Cherish Adele Bean, aged 15, and her boyfriend Ethan Harry Slater, 17, were described as "fit and well" before being discovered unresponsive in their lodge.
Tragic Discovery at Little Eden Holiday Park
The teenagers were staying at the Little Eden Holiday Park near Bridlington on February 18th. They had been occupying a smaller cabin known as the "Man Cave" adjacent to the main family lodge where their relatives were staying during what was meant to be a joyful family holiday.
Final Loving Messages
Area coroner Paul Marks detailed the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. "The family spent the night together and Cherish and Ethan were both fit and well," he told East Riding Coroner's Court.
At approximately 9pm, Cherish left the main cabin with Ethan to watch television in the smaller lodge next door. She returned to the family cabin at 9:50pm complaining of a headache and took Calpol after speaking with her mother, as the family had no paracetamol available.
Cherish then returned to the smaller lodge where Ethan was waiting. At 10:20pm, she sent her mother a final text message saying "goodnight, I love you." Ethan had returned to the cabin at a similar time. The following morning, both teenagers were discovered dead in Cabin 31, known as the "man cave."
Criminal Investigation Underway
The inquest heard that a criminal investigation into "gross negligence manslaughter involving carbon monoxide poisoning" is ongoing. Police have arrested four suspects connected with the management and maintenance of the holiday park site.
Forensic Examination of Boiler
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson outlined the investigation progress, revealing that a boiler recovered from the couple's lodge is undergoing forensic examination. "We've conducted examination of all of the cabins at the Little Eden site, consulted with the Health and Safety Executive and specialist gas engineers to support with the forensic evaluation," he said.
The investigation has also involved consultation with the National Crime Agency for specialist support regarding gross negligence manslaughter cases involving carbon monoxide poisoning. Witness accounts have been obtained from family, friends, and other individuals who had stayed at the holiday park, particularly in the "man cave" cabin.
Suspects Released on Bail
Three men aged 27, 33 and 42 were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and have since been released on conditional bail. A fourth person was also arrested and bailed as the investigation continues.
Family liaison officers have been deployed to support both grieving families. A precise medical cause of death for the teenagers has not yet been formally confirmed, pending further investigation.
Heartbroken Families Pay Tribute
In emotional tributes released through police, both mothers expressed their devastation. Cherish's mother said she was "shattered" by her daughter's death, describing her as "my perfect girl, my angel."
"We were away for a few nights making the best memories ever," she continued. "We have had the best life together and it has been ripped from under us. There are no words, I am shattered and will never recover."
Ethan's mother paid tribute to her "most beautiful young man," describing him as generous, loving, charming and kind. "His smile was contagious, and he could light up any room he walked into," she said.
She added poignant words about the young couple's relationship: "Cherish was the apple of Ethan's eye, everyone could see how smitten they both were. She was beautiful, elegant, and made Ethan happy."
Coroner Extends Condolences
Coroner Paul Marks expressed his condolences to both families following the short hearing. "I would like to extend my condolences to members of these two young people's families at their tragic and unexpected loss," he said.
The full inquest will take place at a future date yet to be fixed. A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive confirmed they are aware of the incident and assisting Humberside Police and East Riding of Yorkshire Council with their enquiries.
Both teenagers were from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Their deaths have highlighted serious safety concerns about holiday accommodation and the potentially deadly consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty heating systems.
