Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill, 41, took his personal life after being arrested by police, inquest hears
Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill took his own life after he was arrested by police, an inquest has heard.
The ‘talented and kind-hearted’ soap star was found dead in his home aged 41 on December 30 last year – a day after being questioned by the Lancashire Police force.
Hammill had left a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his home, warning not to go inside but to alert emergency services.
Custody officers told Doncaster Coroner’s Court Hammill appeared to be in ‘good spirits’ after leaving the station the previous day, and said they had no concerns over his mental well-being or safety.
Police and paramedics arrived at Hammill’s flat just after 2pm but he was pronounced dead at 2.13pm after emergency responders failed to resuscitate him.
The coroner said: ‘I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions.’
Hammill died by ‘hanging’, the court heard.
Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill (pictured) died by suicide after he was arrested by police, an inquest has heard
Hammill had left a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his home, warning not to go inside but to call the police
Hammill was known for his role as a prison guard in Emmerdale, starring alongside Amy Walsh.
His sister Caroline said her brother’s death had come as a ‘complete shock’ to the family.
She told the court no one had been aware of the actor’s mental health struggles or that he was ‘feeling low enough to end his life’.
Hammill had been ‘happy in life’ and was ‘loved by his family and nieces and nephews’, she said.
Meanwhile, Walsh paid tribute in a post saying ‘there are no words’ accompanied by broken heart emojis.
The John Godber Theatre Company broke the news of Hammill’s death on Instagram, sharing an image of the late actor.
‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frazer Hammill,’ they wrote.
‘It is impossible to put into words how much he will be missed by all of us who had the absolute joy of working with him.
‘Frazer had a huge loving heart and enormous talent. We are all heartbroken,’ they wrote.
Hammill was also a detective constable in Happy Valley, Kev in Abraham’s Point and he played Jonathan O’Malley in Last Laugh.
This is a breaking news story, more to come
