Dawn and Andrew Searle were found dead at their home in southwest France on Thursday, February 7, Callum Kerr has paid tribute to his mother in a statement.

Virgin River’s Callum Kerr breaks silence after his mother is murdered along with his stepfather

Virgin River’s Callum Kerr has spoken out following the tragic news that his mother was the British woman found deceased in France with her husband.

Dawn and Andrew Searle were discovered lifeless at their residence in southwest France on Thursday, February 7. Authorities in France suspect the incident “were clearly a homicide.” The investigation has raised the possibility that the couple may have been victims of French ‘gangsters’, considering Mr. Searle’s past as an organized crime investigator. Callum, who portrayed the young version of the mature character Everett Reid, recently shared a statement on Instagram in the wake of the tragedy.

“At this time, Callum Kerr, Amanda Kerr, Tom Searle and Ella Searle are grieving the tragic loss of their mother and father, Dawn and Andrew Searle. No family member is available for media interviews or comments,” the statement read.

“We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period. We will provide updates as appropriate,” the statement continued.

Callum portrays young version of Everett Reid on Virgin River

In a heartfelt memory shared in September 2023, Callum had expressed joy over escorting his mother down the aisle to wed Andrew. Callum gushed about walking his mum down the aisle to marry Andrew. Posting a snap to Instagram of the happy day, the actor proudly wrote: ” exclaimed: “Not many people can say they walked their own mother down the aisle. What a pleasure! ! ! I love you mum. Congrats to Dawn and Andy on their wonderful wedding day and here’s to a tremendous life together for the happy couple.”

The romantic idyll of a couple’s retirement came to a horrifying end when they were found murdered at their tranquil Les Pesquiès home, just outside Toulouse, where they had settled into retirement around a decade ago. Mrs. Searle was tragically discovered near the entrance with a head wound amidst disarrayed jewellery, suggesting a violent attack, while reports suggested Mr. Searle might have suffered torture before his death.

When the pair uncharacteristically missed a dog-walking appointment, a concerned neighbour made the grizzly discovery. The village mayor, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, recounted to BBC News how the couple had become beloved local figures, often hosting drinks for neighbours including many ex-pats.

Compounding the tragedy, their son Callum had recently celebrated becoming a father and getting engaged. Early in 2024, he joyously shared the arrival of his daughter and his engagement to Lauren Stacey, the mother of his child.