The city of Sheffield was draped in pink and heavy with grief on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Cherish Bean, a 15-year-old girl whose life was cut short in a tragedy that has shaken the community to its core. Cherish, from Parson Cross, and her boyfriend Ethan Slater, 17, from Shiregreen, were found dead last month while on a family holiday at Little Eden Holiday Park in Bridlington. The suspected cause: carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent killer that has left two families and an entire city searching for answers and solace.
As reported by ShefNews and Examiner Live, Cherish’s funeral procession began at her family home at 11:30 AM, winding along Wordsworth Avenue before arriving at Ecclesfield Church. The streets were lined with mourners, many dressed in vibrant pink—Cherish’s favorite color—creating what onlookers described as an "over the top" and "beautiful show" of unity and remembrance. Vehicles decorated with roses, a horse-drawn carriage, and a troupe of horse riders followed behind, while pink smoke flares briefly painted the sky, a fitting tribute to a young woman remembered as a "fashion icon" who always coordinated her outfits perfectly, from shoes to handbags and accessories.
Inside Ecclesfield Church, the atmosphere was heavy but loving. Cherish’s mother, Devon Bean, delivered a heartbreaking tribute: "My girl, my world, my love, my everything. My perfect girl, my angel, has left this world and we are broken as a family. I am broken as a mother, and I will never ever be the same again." Her words echoed the pain and disbelief that has gripped the family since the tragedy. Mrs. Bean recalled the last conversation she had with her daughter, who had complained of a headache before heading to bed that fateful night—a detail that now haunts her. "There are no words, I am shattered and will never recover. Hug your children tonight, you do not know how lucky you are," she urged those in attendance.
After the service, Cherish was laid to rest at Shiregreen Cemetery, followed by a wake at Wadsley Bridge Working Men’s Club, where friends and family gathered to share memories and offer support. The outpouring of love was palpable, with the community coming together in a way that made it clear just how loved Cherish was. "You can tell she was loved," remarked one attendee, as reported by Examiner Live, reflecting the sentiments of many who watched the procession or participated in the memorial.
The tragedy has not only brought grief but also sparked a police investigation. Humberside Police arrested four men on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Cherish and Ethan. All four were questioned and later released on bail, as investigations continue. The opening of an inquest heard that both teenagers had been "fit and well" before they were last seen alive, intensifying questions about how such a preventable tragedy could have occurred. As The Star reported, the case remains open, and the families—along with the wider public—await further answers.
Ethan Slater’s funeral is scheduled for April 2, 2026, at St Mary’s Church, Ecclesfield, the same church where Cherish was remembered. His mother, Gabi Gatto, 35, spoke for the first time about her loss, describing the comfort she takes in knowing that the young couple are together, even in death. "He will be missed by so many, but our biggest comfort is they’re together, he’s not on his own. It’s nice to know they have each other," she told The Star. Gabi’s recounting of her last words to Ethan—"Bye, love you. Have a good time"—carried the everyday warmth and routine of family life, now forever tinged with sorrow.
Ethan, who had just celebrated his 17th birthday and completed his first driving lesson days before his death, was described by his family as the "man of the house," a big joker, and a loving sibling to Ivan (15), Khaleesi (7), and Khyan (3). "He loved his siblings to bits—he absolutely tormented them—but he loved them," said his mother. Ethan’s passion for cars, his practical skills, and his plans to work alongside Cherish’s grandad in road works painted the picture of a young man with ambitions and a zest for life. "He had big ambitions for his future, for what he wanted to achieve, and he loved working and earning his money," Gabi recalled.
Like Cherish, Ethan was known for his sense of style and pride in his appearance. Staff at Street Barbers on Hatfield House Lane, where Ethan was a regular, announced they would change their sign to read "Ethan’s Barbers" in his memory. Friends have also come together to build benches in Gabi’s garden, creating a space for reflection and remembrance—a testament to the strength and support of the Sheffield community in times of hardship.
The love story between Cherish and Ethan was, by all accounts, something special. The two met through a shared friendship group and quickly became inseparable, a bond that lasted two and a half years—remarkable for their age. "They were obsessed with each other, that proper first love," Gabi said. Cherish’s mother, Devon, echoed the sentiment: "For someone of that age, it’s a long time—they were childhood sweethearts." The couple was a constant presence in each other’s lives, attending family holidays together and growing up side by side. "Everyone could see how smitten they both were—they were such a perfect pair together. We will never recover from losing these two precious souls, we just hope that one day we meet again. Our world was torn into a million pieces when we lost them," Devon shared.
As the city prepares for Ethan’s funeral, the families are united in their grief but also in their gratitude for the support they have received. The loss of Cherish and Ethan has left a void that can never be filled, but their memories—of laughter, love, and youthful ambition—live on in those who knew them best. The tragedy has also served as a stark reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of safety measures in holiday accommodations, a conversation that continues as investigations proceed.
The story of Cherish Bean and Ethan Slater is one of young love, community strength, and the enduring pain of sudden loss. As Sheffield mourns, the hope remains that answers—and perhaps justice—will one day bring a measure of peace to the families and friends left behind.