In a deeply tragic turn, Virgin River actor Callum Kerr—best known for his role as young Everett Reid—has publicly mourned the deaths of his mother, Dawn Searle, and stepfather, Andrew Searle, who were discovered deceased at their home in Les Pesquiès, France, on February 6, 2025. A grim discovery followed a missed dog‑walking appointment; their bodies were reportedly found by a concerned neighbor prolificnorth.co.uk+15ew.com+15justjared.com+15.
French authorities have confirmed the duo suffered violent deaths. Initial investigations considered various possibilities, ranging from a burglary to more sinister scenarios prolificnorth.co.uk+2ew.com+2justjared.com+2. Later reports from local prosecutors disclosed that Dawn died from multiple head injuries and Andrew by hanging, suggesting a potential murder‑suicide—though official conclusions remain pending further evidence people.com+1thesun.ie+1.
Kerr expressed his grief and requested privacy for the family in an emotional statement posted via Instagram on February 8, underscoring that “No family member is available for media interviews or comments” and asked for understanding during this painful time thesun.ie+15ew.com+15eonline.com+15.
The couple had moved from Scotland to the French countryside around a decade ago, and were well-regarded by local neighbors as friendly retirees who enjoyed walking their dogs and hosting gatherings thesun.ie+3ew.com+3prolificnorth.co.uk+3. Kerr even had the heartfelt honor of walking his mother down the aisle at her 2023 wedding to Andrew in France—a moment he fondly shared on social media ttspress.com+5ew.com+5people.com+5.
Fans across social media and reddit expressed shock and sympathy. One redditor wrote:
“It’s heartbreaking to lose your parent especially when they are relatively young… I really hope he gets answers on what happened.” prolificnorth.co.uk+15reddit.com+15ttspress.com+15
The case has drawn attention not only for its tragic nature but also due to Andrew’s background as a former financial fraud investigator, fueling speculation around the motive—though no evidence currently confirms outside involvement thesun.ie+4eonline.com+4thesun.ie+4.
For Callum Kerr, this period marks a profound personal trauma. Professionally celebrated for his work on Virgin River, including glimpses of a possible role in the upcoming series prequel, he is now forced to pause amidst unimaginable loss theguardian.com+15ttspress.com+15popculture.com+15.
As investigations continue in France—supported by UK authorities and attended by forensics, coroners, and the Foreign Office—the full circumstances remain murky. Kerr has pledged to update the public “where appropriate,” and the family’s plea for privacy reminds us that behind every actor is a person coping with real‑world tragedy .
💔 Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking situation extends far beyond television sets—Callum Kerr, like all of us, is navigating grief and uncertainty. His fans and fellow cast members send love and support, hoping that truth and healing follow soon.
