Virgin River actor Callum Kerr has pleaded for privacy amid the tragic news of his mother and her husband's shock deaths in France. Former fraud investigator Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were found deceased on Thursday, 6th February at their home in the south-west of France, near Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Deadline has verified that Dawn Searle was the mother of Callum Kerr, known to fans of the hit Netflix show as the young iteration of Mel Monroe's (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) dad, Everett Reid (John Allen Nelson).
Kerr is rumoured to be reprising his role in a prequel spin-off of Virgin River, with Jessica Rothe set to return as Mel's mum Sarah, although Netflix has yet to make an official announcement. Besides his Netflix fame, Kerr is a familiar face in the UK where he played PC George Kiss in Hollyoaks on Channel 4 from January 2020 until April 2021. The actor addressed his followers on social media on Sunday expressing his family’s profound sorrow: "At this time, Callum Kerr, Amanda Kerr, Tom Searle and 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", reports the Mirror US. The Guardian noted that Dawn Searle's body was found first, outside their house adorned with jewellery, leading to the call of emergency services, who then discovered the body of her husband. BBC News has recently reported word from the public prosecutor affirming: "Both died violent deaths, but I cannot establish that either was a homicide. All hypotheses remain open.".
With autopsies on the deceased couple commencing today (10th February), fans are reaching out with profound support on Kerr's latest Instagram teaser for his upcoming country music single amidst this unfathomable sorrow. Supportive comments have been pouring in on his social media. One sympathiser shared: "So sorry for you and yours right now. I can't even begin to imagine. "Lean on those around you, seek grief counselling, hold on to the music, I've found some of my deepest inspiration in my darkest times. Helps to channel grief.".
Another follower expressed their heartache: "Saw the news, I'm heartbroken for you sending you all my love and condolences to you and your family Callum!". The tragedy surfaces as Kerr's career continues to blossom with acting roles in the Fox series Monarch and forthcoming parts in the second season of One Piece and the third season of The Wheel of Time. Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.
