A dancer who rose to prominence on the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent has died days after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence, an inquest has heard. Kerri-Anne Donaldson, 38, was found dead at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, on June 7, 2023, according to reports.
Donaldson, who performed as part of the dance group Kings and Queens, reaching the semi-finals in 2014, had reportedly told her sister, Cara, the night before her death that she had decided to grab her own life. The circumstances surrounding her death have prompted an investigation into the care received following her recent arrest and a prior hospital visit.
The inquest at Winchester heard that Donaldson was arrested on June 4, 2023, and questioned by police regarding a “sexual” offence, which she denied. Following her release, she was reported missing by her family after failing to return home. She was later found at a Travelodge hotel in Woking, Surrey, and taken to St Peter’s Hospital in north Surrey after an overdose, Sky News reported.
Cara Donaldson testified that her sister confided in an emergency doctor at the hospital that she wished to end her life, stating, “I just wanted to hug her.” She also expressed concern that they were not provided with any care plan or guidance on how to support her sister after leaving the hospital. Later that evening, Cara spent time with Kerri-Anne, and described a seemingly positive exchange, with Kerri-Anne sending a text message with a heart emoji and thanking her sister for the day. However, when Cara was unable to reach her sister the following morning, she discovered a note at Kerri-Anne’s home instructing her to call 999 and not enter the property.
Allegation of Sexual Offence
According to Cara’s testimony, Kerri-Anne maintained her innocence regarding the allegation, telling her sister that the accusation was “all been constructed.” Details surrounding the alleged offence have not been publicly released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to Donaldson’s arrest and death.
Describing her sister, Cara painted a picture of a vibrant and beloved individual: “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.”
Post-Mortem Findings and Ongoing Inquest
A post-mortem examination indicated that Kerri-Anne Donaldson took her own life, The Sunday Guardian reported. The inquest is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
If you are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, please reach out for assist. In the UK, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected]. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
The inquest’s findings will likely raise questions about the support systems available to individuals following police questioning and the importance of mental health care access. As the investigation continues, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Kerri-Anne Donaldson’s death are expected to be revealed.
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