An inquest has heard the tragic details surrounding the death of a former Britain's Got Talent finalist, who took her own life just three days after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence. Kerri-Anne Donaldson, a 38-year-old dancer who reached the semi-finals of the popular ITV show in 2014 as part of the group Kings and Queens, was found deceased at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, on June 7, 2023.
Arrest and Subsequent Events
The hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court was informed that Donaldson was arrested on June 4, 2023, and questioned at a police station regarding a sexual offence, which she vehemently denied. Following her release, she failed to return home, prompting her family to report her as a missing person. She was later located at a Travelodge hotel in Woking, Surrey, where she was taken to hospital by ambulance after an overdose.
Family Testimony and Emotional Account
Her sister, Cara Donaldson, provided a poignant testimony at the inquest. She described arriving at the hotel to find her sister being transported to St Peter's Hospital in north Surrey. Cara recounted that Kerri-Anne had told an emergency doctor she intended to kill herself, with Cara expressing, "I just wanted to hug her."
On June 6, when Cara drove her sister home, Kerri-Anne revealed she had decided to end her life upon leaving the police station. Cara noted that they received no care plan or advice on how to support her sister after leaving the hospital. Spending the evening together, Cara was hesitant to leave her alone, stating, "If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders." Kerri-Anne reassured her with a joke, saying, "I am not going to do that," and later sent a message with a heart emoji reading, "Thanks for everything today," which led Cara to believe she was okay.
Discovery and Aftermath
The next morning, when Kerri-Anne did not answer her phone, Cara went to her home and discovered a note at the top of the stairs that read, "Call 999, do not come in. I am sorry." Cara also shared that her sister had maintained her innocence regarding the allegation, claiming it was "all constructed." She fondly remembered Kerri-Anne as having a "heart of gold," being full of fun, career-driven, and a beloved dance teacher who adored her family and friends.
Medical Findings and Ongoing Inquest
A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with non-fatal levels of medication in her blood consistent with an overdose. The inquest continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking case, highlighting the profound impact of legal and mental health challenges on individuals in the public eye.
