Mum and teen daughter found dead in burger van 'from carbon monoxide poisoning'
Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall were found dead in the Meat ‘N’ Greet Snack Wagon in Whitstable, Kent, on Tuesday morning.
A mother and her teenage daughter have been found dead in a burger van after reportedly suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator fumes.
Leah Churchill, 50, and Brooke Wanstall, 17, were found dead in the Meat ‘N’ Greet Snack Wagon in Whitstable, Kent, on Tuesday morning.
Churchill’s son, Tyla Wanstall, spoke of his devastation of discovering the bodies of his mother and “beautiful baby sister”, who had been decorating the van as a surprise for his 26th birthday.
It is believed they had started the generator to try and keep warm while they were decorating the van.
Wanstall, of Faversham, Kent, said: "They were decking the van out inside in balloons and bunting as a birthday surprise for me, like my mum would do at home every year.
"I didn't even know they were going down there last night but she must have started the petrol generator up to keep warm without realising the danger."
Mr Wanstall says the generator is used outside the van during working hours but kept inside overnight for security reasons.
He said he arrived at the wagon at about 8am to start work and was surprised to see his mum's car parked up outside.
"I opened the van door and saw my mum and sister and for an instant thought they had fallen asleep," he recalled.
"I smelt fumes but it just didn't register straight away, but it became obvious they were both dead.
"I called the police and ambulance but it was the firefighters who told me it was likely carbon monoxide poisoning.
"It's heartbreaking to think they spent their last few moments just trying to put a smile on my face."
Wanstall said his mother was “so kind and would do anything for anyone”, adding: "She would take a homeless man in off the streets if she was allowed.”
He said his sister, who had just completed her GCSEs at Archbishop’s School in Canterbury, “had her whole life in front of her”, and was working as a carer.
Wanstall issued a warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
He said: "Mum made a fatal mistake and we don't want this to happen to anyone else.
"Be aware of this thing, people. If you haven’t got a carbon monoxide alarm go and get one. It is a serious killer.”
The family are planning a balloon release in memory of the victims on Herne Bay beach.
Yahoo News UK has contacted Kent Police for a comment.
