Couple’s deaths linked to indoor use of heater

What's happened

In Winchester, an inquest has recorded the deaths of Kayleigh and Christopher Coll as misadventure caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas heater not designed for indoor use. The heater was used overnight in their van at the New Forest Cider Festival in October 2025; the coroner says warnings may prevent future deaths.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• The inquest underscores a preventable tragedy rooted in improper use of equipment.
• Reports show the couple made a one-off decision to sleep in the van to advance their stall business, turning a routine chilly night into a fatal error.
• The focus on manufacturer warnings suggests regulatory gaps may be addressed, potentially reducing similar deaths.
• This event highlights risks for small traders relying on temporary setups at outdoor fairs, especially when heating is needed in enclosed spaces.

How we got here

The Colls, from Dorset, were at the New Forest Cider Festival in October 2025, selling copper-wire trees. They stayed in their van overnight due to October chill; a parabolic heater connected to a gas bottle was used indoors, leading to fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. The coroner notes the heater was not designed for indoor use and will contact manufacturers for warnings.

Our analysis

BBC Business reports on the inquest into Kayleigh and Christopher Coll’s deaths, noting carbon monoxide poisoning from an indoor-use gas heater. The Independent provides parallel coverage with details about the coroner’s conclusions and family statements.

Go deeper

• What changes are manufacturers planning to implement about heater warnings?
• Will local authorities issue new safety guidance for festival traders using enclosed spaces?
• How are similar incidents being prevented at other outdoor markets?

More on these topics

• United Kingdom - Country in Europe

  The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the north­western coast of the European mainland.

• Winchester - City in England

  Winchester is a city and the county town of Hampshire, England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, at the western end of the South Downs National Park, on the River Itchen.

• Dorset - Shire county

  Dorset is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The ceremonial county comprises the unitary authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset.

• Blandford Forum - Town in England

  Blandford Forum, commonly Blandford, is a market town in Dorset, England, sited by the River Stour about 13 miles northwest of Poole.