Members of the public tried to save a seven-year-old and her aunt who died in a house fire, an inquest heard. Teesside coroner Paul Appleton said Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34, died from the effects of fire following a blaze in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Inquest openings and criminal proceedings
Mr Appleton held brief, separate inquest openings into their deaths and suspended further hearings after confirming that criminal proceedings for murder have begun. The coroner said Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the address on August 26 after receiving reports that people were believed to be trapped in the house.
Mr Appleton said: “Prior to the arrival of the emergency services, members of the public made attempts to rescue people in the property. Very sadly, Valentina was recovered from the property and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the James Cook University Hospital.”
Post-mortem examinations and identification
A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death was the effects of fire, the coroner said. Valentina’s body was identified by her mother, who attended the hearing with relatives. The same cause of death was given for Ms McDonald, who died at the scene. The coroner said she was identified from her dental records and a tattoo.
Family tributes and court charges
Jaden Wright, 23, has appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder, as well as offences related to other people who were injured in the blaze. In a statement released by Cleveland Police, Ms McDonald’s family said she had been married for just nine months. They said: “She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was. She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all. Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul.”
Valentina’s family previously said in a statement: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.”
In a statement issued through Cleveland Police, relatives revealed she had been known as Natalie Louise Kirton before marrying Anthony McDonald nine months previously. They said: “She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was. She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all. Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul. She was the life and soul of every party, and she will be sadly missed by our family, her two brothers and sister, all who are broken. Her nieces and nephews, with her being such a big part of their lives, being like a second mother to them. Her nana, grandad, mam and dad are all heartbroken. Also, her only daughter who will forever miss her mam.”
