Tragedy has struck the family of Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr in the most devastating way.
Earlier this year, his mother, Dawn Searle, and her husband, Andrew Searle, were found dead at their home in Les Pequies, southwestern France, in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.
The heartbreaking events have left Callum and his siblings grappling with loss and complicated grief.
The Discovery of a Horrific Scene
On February 6, neighbours were horrified to find Mrs. Searle outside the home in her pyjamas with a head injury and her jewellery scattered around her.
Inside the house, Andrew Searle, a former financial investigator, was found dead, hanging from a radiator.
Post-mortem examinations revealed no defensive wounds on Andrew and no signs that anyone else had been involved in the deaths.
Investigators concluded that the evidence pointed to a murder-suicide, with one spouse killing the other before taking their own life.
The official inquiry is still ongoing, but no indications of a third party have emerged.
Callum Kerr’s Request for Privacy
In the wake of the tragedy, Callum Kerr has publicly urged friends of his late mother not to attend Andrew Searle’s funeral.
Speaking on social media, he said it would be “inappropriate” for Dawn’s memory to be associated with the man who may have been responsible for her death.
He wrote:
“In the absence of any evidence suggesting third-party involvement in the tragic death of our mother, Dawn Kerr, the prevailing hypothesis remains that of a murder-suicide.
While the official investigation is still ongoing, we cannot ignore the circumstances as they stand.
For this reason, we must respectfully but firmly request that our mother not be included in any way in the funeral arrangements being made for Andrew.”
He also asked that people avoid sharing photographs of the couple together and to respect the family’s privacy as they continue to grieve.
Remembering a Life and Career
Callum Kerr, who starred as PC George Kiss in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River, also has a career as a country singer.
He attended his mother and stepfather’s wedding in France in 2023, walking Dawn down the aisle.
Speaking on behalf of the grieving children, Callum said:
“At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle, while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle.”
A Life Once Lived in Les Pequies
The Searles had spent the past ten years building a new life at a villa in picturesque Les Pesquiès, north of Toulouse, after moving from Musselburgh, Scotland.
CCTV footage from the day before the deaths reportedly showed Andrew Searle entering a local tobacconist.
He had spent over two decades working with the police and the Serious Fraud Office on organised financial crime investigations.
Investigators noted evidence suggesting a frantic struggle inside the home, but concluded that Mrs. Searle would likely have been heard by nearby neighbours if a third party had been involved.
Support for Those Affected
This tragic story highlights the profound emotional toll such events have on families and communities.
Anyone affected by issues of grief, trauma, or suicidal thoughts can seek help.
In the UK, the Samaritans offer free and completely confidential support by calling 116 123 or visiting samaritans.org.
