The family of a Dorset couple discovered dead inside their van after a ciden festival have paid tribute to ‘soul mates’ who brought ‘love and light.’
Kayleigh Coll, 38, and Chris Coll, 45, were found dead inside the campervan on Pound Lane in Burley, Hampshire, on Sunday after attending the New Forest Cider Festival nearby.
Their sudden deaths have left their families and friends ‘heartbroken.’
The couple from Blandford Forum, who shared four children together – Shyla, Alex, Kaizer and Emily – were remembered as ‘the kind of couple that made people believe in love again.’
In a tribute posted on a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs, their loved ones said: ‘Kayleigh and Chris were soul mates. The way they loved each other was beautiful. It was everything they both ever wanted.’
Kayleigh was described as ‘the most selfless, thoughtful person always putting everyone else’s needs before her own,’ who had ‘always longed to be a mum, and she showed us all how to be the best one before she became one herself.
‘It was always written in the stars that she would be amazing at it.’
Chris was an ‘amazing man and father behind that tough exteri,or he was a warm, gentle and kind soul; he wasn’t just a friend, he was a brother.’
Chris had become ‘incredibly resilient and strong’ after losing his brother and his mother,’ the tribute said.
‘The love, commitment and values he had in life were completely on par with Kayleigh which is why it was fitting they were matched and became man and wife,’ the family said.
The fundraiser was set up to help with funeral costs while both families are ‘trying to figure out arrangements for the children and sorting out their home.’
‘Anything left over will be given to the families and split equally between the four children to ensure they receive the love and support that Kayleigh and Chris always wanted,’ the family said.
Within days, the fundraiser had raised over £15,000 after hundreds of donations.
Police have described the deaths as ‘unexpected’.
Authorities were reportedly alerted by paramedics that the two had been found dead shortly after midday on October 12.
Tributes poured in after the news of the couple’s death emerged.
Kayleigh Jones posted: ‘We’ve grown up together and I watched you turn into an incredible mum.
‘You were the most selfless person ever. You deserved your happily ever after more than anyone I know
‘None of you deserved this. Life is so cruel. The only solace in this whole f****** thing is that you went together, peacefully.
‘My heart is broken. We will never get over this. I’m sending you all so much love.’