A former contestant on Britain’s Got Talent died three days after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence, an inquest has been told.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson, 38, who appeared in the 2014 series of the ITV programme as a member of dance group Kings and Queens and reached the semi-finals, was found dead at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, on 7 June 2023.
Proceedings at Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that she had been arrested on 4 June and interviewed by police in relation to what was described as a ‘sexual’ offence. The court was told she denied the allegation.
After being released from custody, Donaldson did not return home and was later reported missing. She was subsequently located at a Travelodge in Woking, Surrey.
Her sister, Cara Donaldson, told the hearing that when she arrived at the hotel her sister was being taken by ambulance to St Peter’s Hospital after taking an overdose.
According to her sister’s evidence, Donaldson told a doctor she had intended to end her life. ‘I just wanted to hug her,’ Cara Donaldson said.
The inquest heard that Donaldson was discharged the following day. Cara Donaldson said she drove her home on 6 June and was told that the decision to take her own life had been made after leaving the police station.
She told the court that no care plan or guidance was provided to the family when her sister left hospital.
Describing that evening, Cara Donaldson said she stayed with her sister but was hesitant about leaving her alone. She recalled saying: ‘If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders.’
She said her sister reassured her, replying: ‘I am not going to do that.’ A final message sent later read: ‘Thanks for everything today’, followed by a heart emoji. ‘I just thought she was OK,’ she told the inquest.
The next morning, after calls went unanswered, Cara Donaldson went to the house and found a handwritten note at the top of the stairs which read: ‘Call 999, do not come in. I am sorry.’
The court also heard that when asked about the allegation, Donaldson had said she was not guilty and that it had ‘all been constructed.’
Paying tribute, Cara Donaldson described her sister as having a ‘heart of gold’ and said she ‘brought happiness’ to those around her. She said she was devoted to her family and friends, and passionate about choreography and teaching dance.
A post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was hanging. Toxicology results showed medication present at levels said to be non-fatal and consistent with an earlier overdose.
The inquest is ongoing.
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