Emmerdale and Happy Valley actor Frazer Hammill died by suicide hours after being arrested and questioned by police over sexual assault allegations.
The ITV soap star was found dead aged 41 at his Doncaster home on December 30, 2025, after leaving a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his house, an inquest heard.
The “talented and kind-hearted” actor had told his neighbour not to go into the house and to call the police as he had taken his own life.
Hamill had also left notes for his friends and family - a day after being arrested by Lancashire Police following a report of a sexual assault on a woman in her 40s.
Police said: “Following enquiries a man in his 40s from Doncaster was arrested on our behalf by South Yorkshire Police on December 29th. He was interviewed and bailed later the same day.
“On December 30th we were notified by South Yorkshire Police that the man had sadly been found dead. A decision was made to close our investigation, and the victim was made aware.”
When he left the station he “appeared to be in good spirits”, custody officers told Doncaster Coroner’s Court. Police said they had no concerns over his safety or mental wellbeing.
He died by “hanging”, the coroner said.
“Frazer Hammill passed away at his home on December 30. He was a single man, an actor, and very close to his family members,” she added.
Police and paramedics arrived at Hammill’s flat just after 2pm but he could not be resuscitated and his time of death was recorded at 2.13pm.
Citing the notes Hammill had left for his friends and family, the coroner went on: “I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions.”
His sister Caroline Hammill said in a moving statement that his death was a “complete shock” to the family.
She told the inquest no-one knew about the actor’s mental health struggles or that he was “feeling low enough to end his life”.
Caroline added that her brother was “happy in life” and was “loved his family and nieces and nephews”.
Hammill played a prison guard in Emmerdale opposite Amy Walsh, who paid tribute to him after his death was revealed in December.
She shared a photo of him on her Instagram Story at the time and wrote: “Rest in peace you wonderful man.”
Walsh, who plays Tracy Shankley on the soap, added on a post announcing his death: “There are no words [broken heart emojis].”
Hammill’s other roles included a detective constable in Happy Valley, Kev in Abraham’s Point, the titular role in the the Heart of Thomas Hardy, Luke in Shed Convention, Peter in Molehills, and Jonathan O’Malley in Last Laugh.
The John Godber Theatre Company broke the news of Hammill’s death on their Instagram feed, sharing an image of him onstage.
“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.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
