A couple, Christopher Coll, 45, and Kayleigh Coll, 38, from Blandford Forum, Dorset, tragically passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning while attending a cider craft festival in the New Forest last year. The incident was revealed in separate inquests at Winchester Coroner’s Court. The couple, who were business owners and a trainee accountant, were selling crafts at the festival and were staying in their camper van in a designated area for exhibitors.
The couple was found deceased by another exhibitor, Alexander Huxley, who had interacted with them the night before. He became concerned when they did not show up at their stall the next morning and discovered their bodies in the van. A gas heater with a partially used gas canister was found inside the van, indicating a possible gas leak.
After investigations, it was determined that the heater was not suitable for indoor use, leading to the fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. The coroner highlighted the importance of proper ventilation when using such heaters and expressed concerns about the lack of safety warnings on the devices. She emphasized the need for manufacturers to include clear warnings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The coroner ruled the couple’s deaths as misadventure rather than accidental, as their actions were unintentional but led to unforeseen consequences. Family members shared heartwarming memories of the couple and their aspirations for their business and family life. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of using gas heaters indoors without proper precautions.