Callum Kerr Parents Drama Explained: Here's Why Actor Asked Family Friends Not To Attend Stepdad's Funeral

Hollywood Actor and singer Callum Kerr has issued a public statement urging friends of his late mother, Dawn Searle, not to attend the funeral of her husband, Andrew Searle, following what French prosecutors believe was a murder-suicide.

According to reports, the bodies of the British couple were discovered in February 2025 at their rural property in the Aveyron region of France. While investigations are still ongoing, French authorities have reportedly ruled out third-party involvement, concluding that Mrs Searle was killed before Mr Searle died by suicide.

Now, over six months later, Kerr and his sister Amanda have spoken out, requesting that their mother's memory not be associated with the man who 'may have been responsible for her death.'

Actor Appeals To Skip Stepdad's Funeral

In a carefully worded public message, Callum and his sister Amanda addressed the sensitive issue of their stepfather's funeral, stressing that it would be 'inappropriate' for her memory to be associated with the man who 'may have been responsible for her death.'

The siblings acknowledged that while the investigation remains ongoing, 'the prevailing hypothesis remains that of a murder-suicide,' with no evidence of third-party involvement. Mrs Searle died from 'multiple blows to the head,' while Mr Searle was found dead by hanging, according to French authorities.

Given the circumstances, the family made a respectful but firm request that their mother not be included in any part of Andrew Searle's funeral arrangements. They also asked that no photos of the couple be shared.

'Please do not attend Andrew's service if you were a friend of our mother,' the statement said. 'It would be inappropriate for her memory to be associated with a service honouring the man who... may have been responsible for her death."

What Went Wrong in the French Countryside?

Dawn, 56, and Andrew Searle, 62, were found dead at their home in Les Pesquiès, near Toulouse, on 6 February. A neighbour discovered the bodies after the couple failed to arrive for a scheduled dog walk.

According to reports, Mrs Searle's body was located in the garden with multiple head injuries, and jewellery was found scattered nearby by the police. Meanwhile, Mr Searle was found hanging inside the house.

Post-mortem results confirmed Mrs Searle suffered multiple blows to the head with a blunt and sharp-edged object. On the other hand, Mr Searle had no defensive injuries, and forensic evidence ruled out involvement from a third party.

According to investigators, the most likely scenario is that of a marital killing followed by suicide. French prosecutors confirmed earlier this year that there was no evidence to suggest the involvement of anyone else.

Ongoing Grief And Search for Justice

Callum, who walked his mother down the aisle at her wedding in France in 2023, shared the statement jointly with his sister Amanda. The siblings described their mother's death as a 'tragic loss and are continuing to grieve.

They added, 'We ask for understanding, privacy and respect as we continue to grieve and seek justice for our mum.'

The statement follows months of silence as the family awaited updates from French authorities. It is not yet known why Mr Searle's body was only recently released or when his funeral is due to take place.

According to reports, the couple had moved from Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, to France nearly a decade ago. They had lived together in the Aveyron region for five years and were married in 2023.

Mrs Searle was originally from Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders; meanwhile, Mr Searle, who had a background in financial crime prevention, had worked with institutions such as Barclays Bank and Standard Life, according to his LinkedIn profile.

While French prosecutors have reached preliminary conclusions, the formal investigation remains open.