Dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson took her life three days after arrest, inquest hears
Warning: this story contains descriptions some readers may find distressing, including references to suicide.
A dancer who had reached the semi-final of a national television talent show in 2014 was found dead at her home in Farnborough on June 7, 2023 (ET), three days after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence, a coroner’s inquest has been told. She was 38.
Sequence of events: arrest, hospital visit and death
The inquest outlined a sequence that began with an arrest on June 4, 2023 (ET) over a sexual allegation that the woman denied. After being questioned and released, she did not return home, prompting family members to report her missing. She was later located at a Travelodge in Woking, Surrey, where emergency services found she had taken an overdose.
Paramedics took her to St Peter's Hospital in north Surrey. While in hospital, she told an emergency doctor that she had wanted to kill herself. She was discharged without a written care plan or specific guidance for her family on how to support her after leaving hospital, the hearing was told.
The following evening, her sister said she told her she had decided to take her own life. The next morning, June 7, 2023 (ET), the sister discovered a note at the top of the stairs at the dancer’s home reading: "Call 999, do not come in. I am sorry. " A post-mortem examination later indicated that the death was the result of suicide.
Family testimony and questions raised at the inquest
Family members described the deceased as devoted to her work and those close to her. Her sister, Cara, said her sibling had insisted she was not guilty of the allegation and had told her it had been "all been constructed. " Cara recalled being with her sister after the hospital discharge and said she had been reluctant to leave her alone. She quoted one of her sister’s last messages as: "Thanks for everything today" followed by a heart emoji, adding that she had believed her sister was okay.
At the inquest, the family expressed concern about the absence of a formal care plan when the dancer left hospital. They said they had received no specific advice on how to help or monitor her after discharge. Those details prompted questions about whether appropriate safeguards and follow-up were offered following her hospital treatment and release.
Inquest findings and wider implications
The coroner noted evidence from the post-mortem that the death was self-inflicted. The hearing also set out the impact on the family, who described her as having a "heart of gold" and a popular and driven dance teacher much loved by pupils and friends.
The case highlights tensions that can arise around police investigations, hospital discharge procedures and the support available to people in crisis and their families. The family’s testimony focused attention on what follow-up care should look like after an emergency admission and how relatives can be supported when someone expresses suicidal intent.
If you are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, seek help immediately. In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123 or by email. In the US, contact local crisis services or call 1-800-273-TALK.
