'HEART OF GOLD'
Britain’s Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson, 38, found dead at her home days after she was discharged from hospital
The circumstances around her death were heard for the first time today
A BRITAIN'S Got Talent star was found dead at her home just days after being discharged from hospital, an inquest has heard.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson, 38, reached the semi-final of the ITV talent show with the dance troupe Kings and Queens in 2014.
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She performed alongside Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington, all of whom became professionals on Strictly Come Dancing.
But Kerri-Anne was found dead at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, in June last year.
She was found hanged at the property days after she had been held in police custody for an undisclosed reason, Winchester Coroner's Court heard today.
The dancer had earlier been reported missing, before being found a short time later.
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Kerri-Anne was then admitted to a hospital in Lyne, Surrey, but was discharged days before her death.
Coroner Jason Pegg told a pre-inquest review hearing today that a post-mortem examination carried out after her death concluded she had died by "hanging".
The coroner gave a brief overview of the days preceding the dancer's death.
The last time Kerri-Anne was seen was at 11am on June 6.
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A full inquest hearing has been scheduled for next year.
Her death came after the dancer revealed "inner demons" in a tragic last social media post.
On March 16 last year, Kerri-Anne wrote: "The last two years have challenged me beyond belief, it’s definitely not all been sunshine and rainbows.
"My career was hit so badly that indeed, it affected my financial situation.
"My future prospects were put on hold for the foreseeable, and my motivation was becoming harder to maintain.
"I have admittedly had moments of self-doubt and anxiety, and I have had to take action to save myself from those dark places that are very hard to return from.
"So the world wants perfection, and here I am, the furthest thing from it.
"I am now stuck in a hamster wheel, trying to move forward without admitting to anyone, including myself, that my life isn’t as shiny as it seems."
The Kings and Queens Latin dance troupe were a big hit with BGT fans, making it all the way to the semi-final of the ITV show.
Her death was tragically confirmed last year by older sister Cara Donaldson.
Sharing family pictures to Facebook, Cara said: "My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me.
"My beautiful baby sister is no longer with us and I don't know how to process it.
"I love you Kerri, you're my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don't know how to fill the void. Be peaceful and hold Nan tight."
Tributes for Kerri-Anne were made in their droves after the sad news was announced.
Ex-Strictly dancer Joanne Clifton paid her respects to the "beautiful dancer".
She said: "I have no words… This is just heartbreaking.. truly devastating.
"We’ve known you and shared the dance floor with you basically all our lives.
"Dance up there with the angels Kerri.. you beautiful dancer, you beautiful soul."
Amy Dowden echoed those sentiments, writing: "So shocked and sad. Such a beautiful dancer and kind soul.
"Sending love to all your family and friends. Heaven has certainly gained an angel. Keep dancing up there lovely."
Fellow dance group member Neil Jones said: "Kerri Anne Donaldson - remember that name and please never forget it because it belongs to a woman who loved to dance, create and perform, she had the cheekiest laugh and a heart of gold.
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"She hated getting in the car with me, but would always listen to my crazy ideas, we shared so many moments and stories and she was always the voice of reason.
"Kerri you were my friend and like my big sister."
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