Mayor says death of British couple in French village may be linked to ‘problem from past’

The tragic deaths of Andrew Searle, 62, and his wife, Dawn Searle, 56, in the quiet French hamlet of Les Pesquies, have sent shockwaves through their small community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding their passing. The couple, who had lived in the area for over a decade, were found dead by a German friend after Andrew failed to show up for one of their regular dog walks. The news of their deaths has left both locals and authorities searching for answers, as the usually peaceful village grapples with the loss of two individuals who had become an integral part of their tight-knit community. Friends and neighbors described the couple as happy, friendly, and fully integrated into rural French life, making the news of their deaths all the more devastating and puzzling.

Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, the mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue and a neighbor of the couple, conducted their wedding ceremony in 2023 and spoke fondly of them. He emphasized that the couple had always seemed content and without any apparent problems, describing them as joyful and well-liked members of the community. The mayor suggested that the tragedy might not be linked to their life in Les Pesquies, but rather to issues from their past or somewhere else entirely. He underscored that the area is generally peaceful and safe, which likely drew the couple to it in the first place. However, he also acknowledged that their past could have caught up with them, though this remains speculative at this stage of the investigation.

Andrew’s professional background has also come under scrutiny. Before retiring in 2015, he worked as a financial crime investigator in the UK, specializing in areas such as anti-money laundering, fraud, and anti-bribery. His LinkedIn profile highlighted his extensive experience and high profile in the industry, as well as his enjoyment of life in rural France after retirement. While authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including the likelihood of a burglary or murder-suicide, they are also exploring whether his former work might have played a role in the tragic events. Investigators are carefully examining all angles, including any potential connections to his career, though no concrete links have been established as of yet.

The couple’s integration into rural French life was nothing short of remarkable. They were known for hosting an annual party for their neighbors, a testament to their warm and welcoming nature. Dawn, in particular, was remembered by her hairdresser and Pilates classmates as a vibrant and positive presence in the community. She was said to be a “ball of positive energy” who spoke lovingly of her children and shared stories of her adventures with Andrew. The couple’s ability to build strong relationships with those around them made the news of their deaths even more heartbreaking for those who knew them.

As the investigation continues, friends and family are left grappling with the loss of two individuals who seemed to have it all. The couple’s children, including Dawn’s son, Callum Kerr, a country musician and former Hollyoaks actor, have expressed their grief publicly. The community is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, finding it difficult to reconcile the violence of their deaths with the peaceful lives they had built in France. The details of their deaths, though not officially confirmed, have further compounded the shock. Dawn was reportedly found outside their home with a head injury, while Andrew was found inside, hanged and gagged. Jewelry scattered near her body has led investigators to consider the possibility of a burglary, though this remains just one of many hypotheses.

Public prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller, leading the investigation, has emphasized that while both deaths were violent, all possibilities remain on the table. The UK’s Foreign Office has also stepped in, offering support to the family and liaising with local authorities. For now, the small hamlet of Les Pesquies and the wider community are left to mourn the loss of two beloved individuals whose lives were cut short under circumstances that remain unclear. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: the deaths of Andrew and Dawn Searle have left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew them and the quiet corner of France they called home.