Britain's Got Talent Star's Death Confirmed as Suicide at Inquest
Britain's Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson has had her cause of death officially recorded as suicide following a coroner's inquest held in Winchester. The 38-year-old performer, who reached the semi-finals of Simon Cowell's show in 2014 with dance group Kings and Queens, was found deceased at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire on June 7, 2023.
Arrest and Subsequent Events
The inquest heard that Ms Donaldson had been arrested on June 4, 2023, on suspicion of a child sex offence, which she denied during questioning at a police station. Following her release, she was reported missing and was later located at a hotel in Woking, Surrey, where she had taken an overdose and was admitted to St Peter's Hospital.
Medical staff placed her under a high-risk care plan on June 5, but she was discharged the following day into the care of a home treatment team after being assessed as having settled. Tragically, she was found dead at her home the morning of June 7.
Coroner's Conclusion
Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg formally recorded a conclusion of suicide for Ms Donaldson at the inquest held on February 16. The proceedings revealed poignant details about her final hours and the emotional turmoil she experienced following her arrest.
Sister's Heartbreaking Testimony
Ms Donaldson's sister, Cara, provided emotional testimony during the inquest, revealing that her sibling had told an emergency doctor at St Peter's Hospital that she wanted to kill herself. Cara described driving her sister home on June 6, during which Ms Donaldson disclosed she had made the decision to take her own life after leaving the police station.
Cara expressed frustration that they had not been given any care plan or guidance on how to support her sister upon leaving hospital. She spent the evening with Ms Donaldson, telling her: "If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders."
Final Scene and Personal Tributes
When Ms Donaldson was found, the song "You are so beautiful" was playing on repeat. Investigators discovered a folded-up photograph of her dog with the handwritten message: "If only you knew how many times you had saved me."
Several photo albums and canvases of family members were also present, including a photo of Ms Donaldson with Cara bearing the words "I am so sorry" and a photograph of their parents with the inscription: "I am so sorry, I made the mistake of trust, I wish I could start again."
Remembering Kerri-Anne
Cara described her sister as having a "heart of gold" and being "full of fun" who brought happiness to life. She noted Ms Donaldson was career-driven, adored her family and friends, and was a fantastic dance teacher loved by everyone.
The inquest also heard that Ms Donaldson had mentioned financial challenges related to running her dance studio, though these were described as "usual worries." She had expressed aspirations for a big house and car, telling her sister: "She just wanted to be rich and famous."
Ms Donaldson performed on Britain's Got Talent alongside Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington, who both went on to become professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. Her death has left the entertainment community and her loved ones mourning the loss of a talented performer whose life ended in tragedy.
