What was meant to be a romantic half-term getaway turned into unimaginable tragedy for 17-year-old Ethan Slater and his 15-year-old girlfriend Cherish Bean. The young couple from Sheffield had escaped to Little Eden Holiday Park near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, for a special dating escape during the school break. They anticipated cozy evenings, beach walks along the Yorkshire coast, and the simple joy of being together away from everyday life. Instead, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, they were found dead in their rental lodge, victims of what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning—a silent, odorless killer that robbed them of their future in the blink of an eye.
The couple arrived at the popular holiday destination excited for their time together. Little Eden, a family-friendly park with lodges and caravans set amid scenic countryside close to Bridlington’s beaches, offered the perfect backdrop for young love: peaceful surroundings, fresh sea air, and the freedom of a short holiday. Friends and family later described how Ethan and Cherish had planned the trip carefully, looking forward to creating memories that would strengthen their budding relationship. Ethan, known for his kind-hearted nature, was described by loved ones as “the most kind-hearted boy,” someone who always put others first. Cherish, full of big dreams and goals, was remembered as a girl with boundless potential, someone who was “going very far in life.”
The morning of February 18 began like any other on holiday. But as hours passed without contact, concern grew among those who knew they were staying at the park. A call for safety checks came into Humberside Police early that day, prompting emergency services to rush to the rental property. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but tragically, both teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene. What initially appeared as an unexplained death quickly shifted focus when preliminary inquiries pointed to carbon monoxide exposure.
Humberside Police, working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, confirmed the deaths are believed to be connected to carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas can accumulate from faulty gas appliances, blocked vents, or poor ventilation—risks that can go unnoticed in holiday accommodations, especially during colder weather when heating is essential. Symptoms often mimic flu or fatigue before leading to unconsciousness and death, making it particularly insidious.
The investigation has intensified rapidly. Police cordoned off the area and launched a complex probe involving specialist officers. Multiple arrests followed on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter: a 33-year-old man was detained first, followed by a 42-year-old, and later a third individual. The first two were released on conditional bail, but the ongoing detentions underscore questions about maintenance responsibilities, safety checks, and compliance with regulations at the rental lodge. Authorities emphasize that the incident appears isolated, with no broader public risk identified, but the case highlights potential vulnerabilities in holiday letting standards.
Tributes from family and friends have painted a poignant picture of two young lives full of promise. Ethan’s family spoke of his gentle spirit and the profound void left behind. Cherish’s mother issued a heartbreaking statement: she “will never recover” from losing her daughter so suddenly. Online messages reflect deep sorrow: “Cherish my girl you had big dreams… You were going very far in life,” one relative wrote. Another lamented the shared 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.” Photos shared by loved ones show the couple smiling, happy, and in love—images that contrast sharply with the tragedy that unfolded.
The couple’s story resonates as a stark reminder of carbon monoxide’s dangers, especially for young people on holiday. In the UK, the gas causes hundreds of poisonings annually, with fatalities often preventable through simple measures: functioning carbon monoxide alarms, regular servicing of gas appliances, and proper ventilation. Police have issued public warnings urging holidaymakers to install and test detectors, avoid indoor use of barbecues or generators, and seek immediate help for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
Little Eden Holiday Park, a beloved spot for family breaks and romantic escapes, now carries a somber association. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced safety protocols across similar venues, where seasonal use and varying maintenance can increase risks. As the investigation continues—probing appliance faults, ventilation issues, and potential negligence—the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and ensuring accountability.
Ethan and Cherish’s planned perfect date never materialized. What should have been laughter, shared meals, and stolen moments became a nightmare no one could foresee. Their deaths serve as a tragic wake-up call: even in places meant for relaxation and joy, hidden dangers can lurk. The couple’s families cling to memories of love and promise, while the wider community mourns two bright futures extinguished too soon. As inquiries progress, the hope is that lessons learned will prevent such heartbreak in the future—for other young couples dreaming of their next getaway.
