Family pay tribute to woman killed in Grangetown house fire

Natalie McDonald, 34, died alongside her seven-year-old niece Valentina Foster in the blaze on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, on Wednesday, August 26.

Natalie McDonald, 34, died alongside her niece Valentia Foster, seven, in a house fire (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Natalie married husband Anthony McDonald nine months ago, and her family said they had “the biggest, most beautiful wedding”.

They said: “Natalie Louise was known by everyone as Natalie Louise Kirton, she is Natalie Louise McDonald having married Anthony McDonald only nine months ago.

“She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was. She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all.

“Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul. She was the life and soul of every party, and she will be sadly missed by our family, her two brothers and sister, all who are broken.

“Her nieces and nephews, with her being such a big part of their lives, being like a second mother to them. Her nana, grandad, mam and dad are all heartbroken.

“Also, her only daughter; Lilyrose Kirton, who will forever miss her mam.

“Our Nat will be forever missed.”

Valentina Foster, seven, and Natalie McDonald, 34, have been named locally as the two victims who died following a house fire in Grangetown. (Image: Provided)

A man accused of murdering Natalie and Valentina is due to stand trial next year.

Jaden Wright, 23, is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

He did not enter pleas during a 10-minute hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

Prosecutor Richard Wright KC said the trial was expected to last three weeks.

Judge Jonathan Carroll set the trial to start on April 14.

Wright was remanded in custody until a hearing on September 23, when he is expected to enter pleas.

Valentina Foster (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

The family previously also paid tribute to seven-year-old Valentina Foster, who also died in the fire.

They said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away.

“She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. Our lives have changed forever, and we are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss.

“Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and her memory will live with us forever. 

“Forever missed by her brothers and sisters.”

Floral tributes left at the scene of the devastating fire on Birchington Avenue, in Grangetown (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

Dozens of floral tributes were left at the scene for the pair.

Police at the scene of the fire on Birchington Avenue in Grangetown (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A 31-year-old man arrested over the incident was released without charge on Sunday.

The force is not treating the fire as linked to the fatal crash on the A66 which killed seven, including police officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. 

As of the latest condition update last Friday, a 48-year-old woman remained in a critical but stable condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, while a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital and two teenage girls had been discharged.