‘Fly high princess’: Mourners dressed in pink gather for funeral of seven-year-old girl ‘murdered’ in Middlesbrough house fire with her aunt
Seven-year-old Valentina Foster was buried after a pink-themed funeral procession in South Bank, Middlesbrough, following her death in a house fire on 26 August. Her aunt, Natalie McDonald, 34, also died, while Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with their alleged murders and related offences.
Mourners accompanied a white horse-drawn carriage carrying Valentina’s pink coffin to St John’s Church, with floral tributes honouring her as “Princess TT”. Inquests heard both victims died from the effects of the fire; Valentina was pronounced dead at James Cook University Hospital, while McDonald was identified through dental records and a distinctive tattoo.
- Seven-year-old Valentina Foster was buried after a devastating house fire.
- Her aunt also died, and a 23-year-old man faces charges.
- Mourners honoured Valentina with pink clothing and floral tributes.