Ex-Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr has paid tribute to his beloved mum after she was tragically killed at her holiday home in France alongside her husband
Former Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr has broken his silence after his beloved mother was named as the British woman killed in France alongside her husband.
Dawn and Andrew Searle, who were 56 and 62 respectively, were found dead at their home in southwest France on Thursday, February 7. French officials believe the deaths “were clearly a homicide”. Investigators have said the couple could even have been targeted by French ‘gangsters’, as Mr Searle had been a former organised crime investigator.
Taking to Instagram, 30-year-old Scottish actor Callum, who shot to fame as PC George Kiss in the Channel 4 soap, shared a statement which read: “At this time, Callum Kerr, Amanda Kerr, Tom Searle & 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.
“We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period. We will provide updates as appropriate.”
Just a year and a half ago in September 2023, Callum gushed about walking his mum down the aisle to marry Andrew. Posting a snap to Instagram of the happy day, the actor – who has also starred in Netflix series Virgin River – proudly wrote: “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.”
Tragically the couple’s married life together was cut short after they were murdered at their holiday home in Les Pesquiès, a rural area north of the city of Toulouse, where they are believed to have moved when they retired around 10 years ago. Mrs Searle was found with a head injury close to the front door and was surrounded by scattered jewellery. Reports claim her husband, Mr Searle, may have been tortured before being killed.
Their bodies were discovered by a neighbour who reportedly went to check on them when they failed to turn up for a planned dog walk. Local mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal told BBC News the couple had become “very well integrated” in the village and used to regularly invite neighbours – many of them fellow expats – over for a drink.
Mrs Searle had also recently become a grandmother as son Callum – who lives in Nashville, Tennessee and is a country singer as well as an actor – welcomed a baby girl at the start of 2024. He also became engaged in September 2024 after popping the question to girlfriend Lauren Stacey, the mother of his child.
Sharing his happy news at the time, Callum posted on Instagram: “Took this girl on a horse ride through the Western Cape and asked if she would spend the rest of her life with me.” His former Hollyoaks co-star Billy Price, who played Sid Sumner, was quick to congratulate the happy couple as he commented: “Congrats bro.”
The investigation into the deaths of Mr and Mrs Searle is still continuing. A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities.”
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