Emmerdale and Happy Valley actor Frazer Hammill died by suicide hours after being arrested and questioned by police over sexual assault allegations, an inquest has heard. The 41-year-old was found dead at his home in Doncaster on December 30, 2025, after leaving a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his house.
The actor, described as “talented and kind-hearted”, had instructed his neighbour not to enter the property and to call the police as he had taken his own life. Hammill 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 confirmed that Hammill was arrested by South Yorkshire Police on December 29, interviewed and bailed later that day. The following day, officers were notified of his death, leading to the closure of the investigation. Custody officers reported that Hammill “appeared to be in good spirits” when he left the station, and police stated they had no concerns over his safety or mental wellbeing.
Police and paramedics arrived at Hammill’s flat just after 2pm on December 30 but could not resuscitate him; his time of death was recorded at 2.13pm. The coroner, citing the notes left by Hammill, concluded: “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 statement that his death was a “complete shock” to the family. She told the inquest that no one knew about the actor’s mental health struggles or that he was “feeling low enough to end his life”, adding that he was “happy in life” and “loved his family and nieces and nephews”.
Hammill played a prison guard in Emmerdale opposite Amy Walsh, who paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing: “Rest in peace you wonderful man.” His other roles included a detective constable in Happy Valley and various stage productions. The John Godber Theatre Company described him as having “a huge loving heart and enormous talent”.
