Tragic Loss: Kayleigh and Chris Coll Found Dead in Campervan at New Forest Cider Festival
A Dorset family has been left devastated after a married couple, parents to four children, were discovered dead in a campervan near Burley in the New Forest.
Chris and Kayleigh Coll, aged 45 and 38, were identified by Hampshire Constabulary following what authorities are calling an “unexpected” incident. Friends and relatives have described their passing as a “sudden and tragic accident.”
The couple, originally from Blandford Forum, Dorset, had been attending the New Forest Cider Festival last weekend, where they showcased their business, Mystacoll’s Spirit, with a festival stall.
Festival organizers expressed their sorrow at the news. A spokesperson said: “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 cooperating fully with their inquiries.”
Tributes Flood In
The loss has prompted an outpouring of grief online. Chris Coll’s sister, Kelly-ann Simonsohn, shared her heartbreak on Facebook: “As some of you know, over the weekend we lost my brother and my sister in law in a tragic and heartbreaking accident. It is an absolutely heartbreaking time.”
Friends joined in remembering the couple’s love and kindness. Jack P O’Donoghue posted: “It’s with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden and tragic accident that took the lives of our beloved Chris and Kayleigh over the weekend.
Our main priority right now is the well-being of the children, and we ask that you give us time and space to grieve and focus on them.
Your love, kindness, and understanding mean the world to us during this incredibly difficult time.”
Char Armitage reflected: “Two lives gone, and I honestly don’t even know what to say. My heart breaks for everyone – especially the children… Chris and Kayleigh fly high together.
Taken far too soon, and in the cruelest way. There’s a tiny bit of comfort in knowing you were together, not by choice, but maybe by fate. Rest peacefully, side by side, where you both belong.”
Kayleigh Jones added, “Kayleigh and Chris, you guys were what love looked like. You’d both been through so much and found each other at the perfect time.
Everyone could see that at your beautiful wedding… 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. Sweet dreams, Mr & Mrs Coll. Together, Forever.”
Investigation and Local Context
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the couple were found in their campervan on Pound Lane, Burley, on Sunday, 12 October.
A spokesperson stated: “Shortly after midday on Sunday, 12 October, our South Central Ambulance Service partners made us aware of the unexpected death of two people inside a parked campervan on Pound Lane, Burley.
Officers attended the scene. A 38-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both from Blandford Forum, had been pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been notified, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
No suspicious circumstances have been reported, and the inquest opening date has not yet been set.
Burley, in the heart of the New Forest, is a picturesque village popular with tourists for its scenic walks and roaming ponies.
Property in the area averages around £1 million, reflecting its status as a sought-after rural location.
This tragic event has shocked both local residents and the wider community. The focus now remains on supporting the Coll family during a profoundly difficult time.
