Couple die of carbon monoxide at Hampshire festival

A couple, Christopher and Kayleigh Coll, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in their Nissan campervan at the New Forest Craft Cider Festival in October 2025 after using a parabolic heater that was designed for outdoor use only and was not securely attached to the gas cylinder, allowing a lethal gas leak in the enclosed space. Inquests found the heater was left on overnight in a sealed vehicle and the connection to the cylinder was faulty, causing a wall of gas and a hissing sound when the camper was opened. The deaths were ruled misadventure, with coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp warning of the dangers of portable gas heaters in enclosed spaces and urging risk assessments for events and temporary accommodations. The couple, who were exhibitors with four children, had been socializing with a fellow trader the night before and were found by another exhibitor the following morning when they failed to appear to set up their stall. Family members described them as devoted and kind, and testimonies emphasized the need for better safety practices around outdoor equipment used indoors at events. The incident has prompted ongoing scrutiny of safety protocols for pop-up workplaces and temporary housing at festivals.