A heartbreaking incident at Little Eden Holiday Park near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, has left families devastated and authorities investigating a potential carbon monoxide tragedy. Ethan Slater, 17, and his girlfriend Cherish Bean, 15, both from Sheffield, were found deceased inside a rental property at the holiday park on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Humberside Police have confirmed the deaths are believed to be linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting arrests and a broader safety warning about the silent killer.
The couple, enjoying a half-term getaway, were discovered after emergency services received a call of concern for their safety early that morning. Paramedics and police rushed to the scene, but despite efforts, both teenagers were pronounced dead at the property. Initial reports described the incident as unexplained, but forensic examinations and specialist inquiries quickly pointed to carbon monoxide as the likely cause. The gas, odorless and colorless, can build up from faulty heating systems, poorly ventilated appliances, or blocked flues—common risks in holiday accommodations during colder months.
Humberside Police launched an immediate investigation, cordoning off the area and coordinating with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. A dedicated team of detectives and specialist officers has been working to determine the exact circumstances. Northbank Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Matt Peach emphasized the ongoing nature of the probe: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of both teenagers… who tragically lost their lives.” He noted that while the deaths remain under detailed examination, carbon monoxide exposure is the primary focus, with partner agencies assisting in technical assessments.
The case has seen multiple arrests on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. A 33-year-old man was initially detained, followed by a 42-year-old, and most recently a third individual. The first two were later released on conditional bail, reflecting the evolving investigation. Police have stressed that the incident appears isolated, with no wider public threat identified at this stage. However, the arrests highlight potential failures in maintenance or safety protocols at the rental lodge, raising questions about responsibility for ensuring safe conditions in holiday lets.
Tributes have poured in for the young couple, painting a picture of two vibrant lives cut short. Ethan’s family described him as “the most kind-hearted boy,” full of life and loved deeply by those around him. Cherish was remembered as a girl with big dreams and goals, someone who had so much ahead of her. Online messages from friends and relatives express profound grief: “Cherish my girl you had big dreams… You were going very far in life,” one wrote. Another lamented the sudden loss: “Never in my life did I ever think I’d be writing this but yesterday Ethan Slater and Cherish Bean left this world together leaving so many people’s hearts well and truly broken.”
Cherish’s mother issued a devastating statement, saying she “will never recover” from the loss of her daughter. The families have shared photos of the pair smiling and happy, underscoring the senselessness of their deaths. Community support has been overwhelming, with calls for justice and greater awareness of carbon monoxide dangers.
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a leading cause of accidental deaths in the UK, particularly in enclosed spaces during winter when heating systems are in heavy use. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—often mistaken for flu—before leading to unconsciousness and death. Experts stress the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, regular servicing of gas appliances, and proper ventilation. Holiday parks, with seasonal occupancy and potentially older infrastructure, can pose heightened risks if safety checks are neglected.
Little Eden Holiday Park, a popular family destination near the Yorkshire coast, features lodges and caravans for short breaks. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards across similar sites. Police have issued a public warning, urging people to install and test carbon monoxide detectors, never use barbecues or generators indoors, and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and determining how this preventable tragedy occurred. The loss of Ethan and Cherish serves as a stark reminder of carbon monoxide’s deadly potential and the critical need for vigilance. Their families hold onto memories of love and promise, while authorities work to ensure accountability and prevent future heartbreak.
