Originally appeared on E! Online
Virgin River actor Callum Kerr is navigating a tragic loss.
The Scottish performer’s mother, Dawn Searle, and stepfather, Andrew Searle, were found dead at their home in Les Pesquies, south of the commune of Villefranche-de-Rouergue in France Feb. 6, multiple outlets have reported. They are survived by Callum, 30, and his sister and Andrew’s two children from a previous relationship.
A family statement about the tragedy was posted on the actor’s Instagram Feb. 8. “At this time, Callum and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (née Smith, Kerr),” the message read, “while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle.”
The post continued, “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. Thank you for your understanding.”
The causes of the deaths of Dawn, 56, and Andrew, 62, have not been released.
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Villefranche-de-Rouergue Mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal has also spoken out about the tragedy.
“I was phoned yesterday at around 12.30pm as mayor to be told that two bodies were found in their property,” he told the U.K. newspaper the Telegraph Feb. 7. “With the local police and gendarmes, we went to the house to secure the property. Both to shut off access to the house but also to make sure that no one could get out, as an intervention was carried out to make sure that no suspects remained in the house.”
Instagram / Callum Kerr
The mayor noted that crime was typically low in the area, adding, “We’ve only had one burglary in a neighbourhod in years.”
Orcibal also said he had officiated the couple’s 2023 wedding ceremony, in which Callum played a special part.
“Not many people can say they walked their own mother down the aisle,” the actor wrote in September of that year on Instagram., alongside a pic of himself, wearing a traditional Scottish kilt, escorting his mother. “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.”
Instagram / Callum Kerr
Andrew, who used to work as a financial fraud investigator, and Dawn both retired to France around 10 years ago, the newspaper reported.
“They were British but they really wanted to integrate into local life,” Orcibal said. “Every year they invited more than a hundred people for a drink at their home.”
The mayor continued, “They had two pedigree dogs that they walked along the river every day. And every time they bumped up into someone, more than a quick ‘bonjour’, they would stop and talk. They were very kind and courteous.”
Johan Herault, who runs a tour company based in the area, said the couple’s deaths come “as a terrible shock.”
“They were such lovely people,” he told the newspaper. “My wife was very good friends with Dawn. She is from New Zealand and liked speaking English with them. We often went to see them.”
Andrew, he said, “never mentioned that he was in any danger,” adding, “This is an incredibly calm and peaceful area. It doesn’t make any sense.”
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