An inquest has heard that former Britain's Got Talent contestant Kerri-Anne Donaldson died by suicide just three days after being arrested over an alleged sexual offence.
According to a report by Stuff, Donaldson, 38, appeared in the 2014 semifinals of the ITV programme as part of dance group Kings and Queens. She was found dead at her home in Farnborough on June 7, 2023.
According to evidence presented at the hearing, Donaldson had been arrested on June 4, 2023, and questioned at a police station in relation to an alleged offence, which she denied. After being released, she did not return home, leading her family to report her missing. She was later located at a Travelodge Woking, where she had overdosed, Stuff has reported.
Her sister, Cara, told the inquest that Donaldson had confided in her the night before her death that she had decided to end her life, Sky News reported.
The court heard that Donaldson was taken to St Peter’s Hospital, where she told an emergency doctor that she wanted to end her life. Cara said that upon leaving the hospital, the family were not provided with a care plan or guidance on how to support her.
The following evening, Cara spent time with her sister, worried about her well-being. Despite being reassured she was “not going to do that,” Cara later received a message reading, “Thanks for everything today,” followed by a heart emoji, the The Telegraph reported.
When she was unable to reach her sister the next morning, Cara went to Donaldson’s home and found a note at the top of the stairs stating: “Call 999, do not come in. I am sorry,” as reported by Stuff.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Donaldson had taken her own life. Family and friends described her as a devoted and passionate dance teacher who was deeply loved by those around her.
The inquest is continuing.