Britain's Got Talent Star Kerri-Anne Donaldson Dies by Suicide Following Arrest
A dancer who performed on Britain's Got Talent tragically took her own life just three days after she was arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence, a coroner's inquest has heard. Kerri-Anne Donaldson, who reached the semi-final of the ITV talent show in 2014 as part of the dance group Kings and Queens, was found deceased at her residence in Farnborough, Hampshire, on June 7, 2023.
Arrest and Subsequent Events Leading to Tragedy
The 38-year-old was apprehended on June 4 and questioned at a police station regarding a 'sexual' offence, which she vehemently denied, according to testimony at the inquest into her death. After being released from custody, Ms Donaldson 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 had taken an overdose and was urgently transported to St Peter's Hospital in north Surrey.
Ms Donaldson was discharged from the hospital and returned home with her sister Cara on June 6. During this time, she disclosed to her sister that she had contemplated taking her own life. They spent the evening together, and Ms Donaldson assured Cara that she was 'not going to do' anything harmful after her departure. Tragically, when Cara visited the following morning, she discovered her sister had passed away.
Inquest Findings and Family Tributes
The inquest held in Winchester was informed that a post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as hanging. Additionally, non-fatal levels of medication were detected in her blood, consistent with an overdose. Cara recounted that her sister had expressed suicidal intentions to an emergency doctor at St Peter's Hospital, stating, 'I just wanted to hug her.' She also revealed that Ms Donaldson had decided to end her life upon leaving the police station.
Cara expressed concern over the lack of a care plan or guidance provided upon discharge from the hospital. She spent the evening with her sister, hesitant to leave her alone, and recalled saying, 'If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders.' Ms Donaldson responded with reassurance, joking, 'I am not going to do that,' and later sent a message with a heart emoji saying, 'Thanks for everything today.'
The next morning, when her sister did not answer the phone, Cara went to her home and found a note at the top of the stairs that read, 'Call 999, do not come in. I am sorry.' Regarding the allegation, Cara stated that her sister maintained her innocence, claiming it was 'all been constructed.' Describing Kerri-Anne, she said, 'Heart of gold, full of fun, brought happiness to life, especially mine, career-driven, adored her family, adored her friends, fantastic dance teacher, everyone loved her.'
Career and Tributes from the Dance Community
Ms Donaldson had a notable career in dance, performing on television multiple times with her main passion being choreography. She worked alongside prominent Strictly Come Dancing stars, including Kevin Clifton, with whom she performed. Following her death, Kevin paid tribute, writing, 'Absolutely heartbroken. I've known Kerri since we were kids and she was always the loveliest girl. A friend and a dance partner.'
Other members of the Kings and Queens troupe, such as Kai Widdrington and Neil and Katya Jones, who later became professional dancers on Strictly, also mourned her loss. Neil Jones described her as 'like a big sister,' highlighting her cheeky laugh and golden heart. The inquest proceedings are ongoing, with further details expected to emerge.
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