Scottish actor Callum Kerr, best known for his role in Virgin River as well as Hollyoaks and Monarch, is going through a heartbreaking time after the sudden deaths of his mother, Dawn Searle, and stepfather, Andrew Searle, at their rural home in Les Pesquiès, near Villefranche‑de‑Rouergue, France. Authorities discovered the couple on February 6, prompting local police, gendarmes, a forensic team, and even a helicopter and drone to respond—signaling the severity of the case and the uncertainty around the cause of death facebook.com+15eonline.com+15ew.com+15. Initially, officials reported both deaths as violent in nature but could not yet determine if they were homicides newsmax.com+4ew.com+4theguardian.com+4.
On February 8, Callum and his family released an emotional statement via his Instagram, expressing their grief and asking for privacy. He wrote:
“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.
No family member is available for media interviews or comments. We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period.” people.comtheguardian.com+9eonline.com+9people.com+9.
The grief is compounded by shocking details: Dawn, aged 56, was found outside the home partially undressed with serious head injuries and scattered jewelry, while 62‑year‑old Andrew was discovered inside, appearing to have died by hanging ew.com+8people.com+8people.com+8. Public Prosecutor Nicolas Rigot‑Muller noted both deaths were violent but cautioned that homicide had not yet been confirmed, keeping all possibilities on the table—including murder‑suicide or intruder involvement thesun.ie+4ew.com+4ew.com+4.
Further investigation revealed that Dawn died from multiple head injuries inflicted by blunt and sharp objects, while Andrew’s manner of death—hanging—has led French authorities to consider a murder‑suicide scenario, though they continue exploring all theories, including the potential for a third party people.com+1thesun.ie+1. The couple’s quiet retirement to France about a decade ago and established lives in the community shockingly contrast with the shocking violence of their deaths facebook.com+12ew.com+12people.com+12.
Local sources describe Dawn and Andrew as friendly, community‑minded individuals. Dawn had a background in project management, while Andrew was a former fraud investigator for institutions like Barclays and Standard Life, making some wondering if his past career could have played a role—but authorities say there’s no conclusive link newsmax.com+2people.com+2thesun.ie+2. The mayor of Villefranche‑de‑Rouergue, Jean‑Sébastien Orcibal, recalled officiating the couple’s wedding in 2023—where, poignantly, Callum had walked his own mother down the aisle—the last public family joy before tragedy struck theguardian.com+9eonline.com+9eonline.com+9.
In the face of mystery, the family has emphasized their desire for privacy, with no plan for interviews, and a promise to share updates only when appropriate eonline.com+2eonline.com+2people.com+2. This tragedy places Callum in the midst of a devastating personal loss, navigating sudden grief and the emotional toll of such violence.
The case remains open, with French investigators continuing forensic work and reviewing CCTV, phone data, and autopsy findings . Community reaction has been one of profound sorrow and disbelief; locals describe the couple as a “lovely” presence whose violent demise is both baffling and deeply unjust .
For fans of Virgin River, where Callum portrayed Everett, this news is a painful reminder that the lives behind the actors on screen also carry real heartbreak. His statement honors his parents’ memory, and reveals a family deeply wounded but determined to maintain unity and respect for their loss facebook.com+13eonline.com+13ew.com+13.
As the investigation unfolds, viewers and fans are left hoping two things: that the truth of what
