The Woman Who Documented Homelessness | Christchurch News

A haunting true story unfolds as Caitlin McDonald, who documented her harrowing journey through homelessness in over 460 YouTube videos, tragically died at Tony Kett’s home — a man who became her unlikely lifeline. Their bond, forged over shared thrift finds and mutual compassion, deepened amid eviction notices, hospital visits, and legal battles. Kett even stood by her side at the police station when she missed court. Just days before her death, a police safety order followed a heated argument — and she left behind chilling words: “Police say I’m the problem.” Though the coroner ruled her death natural, tied to complications from her kidney transplant, Kett believes her life might have been saved if she’d accessed $48,000 from her KiwiSaver — denied despite similar approvals for others. Rejecting social services, McDonald lived fiercely independent — a reality Kett feels the system failed to grasp. He still keeps her decorations, honoring a life lived boldly, painfully, and defiantly. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/14435c0bbec4e2ec