Emmerdale actor Frazer Hammill left just over £15,000 in his estate when he took his own life following his arrest on suspicion of sexual assault, legal documents have revealed.
Estate Details
Documents seen by the Daily Mail show the soap actor, who also appeared in Happy Valley and the Hollywood blockbuster Justice League, died without leaving a will. Letters of administration granted to his 71-year-old mother, Eleanor Hammill, indicate his gross estate was worth £33,571. After unspecified deductions—traditionally covering funeral expenses and debts—the net value was £15,571. The grant was made on April 16.
Background
Mr. Hammill, described as 'talented and kind-hearted' by co-stars, was found dead at his home on December 30 last year, a day after being questioned by Lancashire Police over an alleged sexual assault. The 41-year-old actor, originally from Doncaster, had built a career in stage, television, and film, including roles in Emmerdale as a prison officer and a detective constable in Happy Valley.
Arrest and Inquest
Police arrested Mr. Hammill after a woman in her 40s claimed he had sexually assaulted her at an address in Lytham, Lancashire. The incident was reported on December 17, three days after the alleged attack. He was arrested by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Lancashire Police on December 29, interviewed, and bailed the same day. Custody officers told an inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court on April 21 that he appeared 'in good spirits' with no immediate concerns for his mental wellbeing or safety.
However, Mr. Hammill later left a note on his neighbor's door with his house keys, warning them not to enter but to contact emergency services. Officers and paramedics arrived just after 2pm, but he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 2.13pm. Notes were also left for friends and family.
Coroner's Findings
Coroner Louise Slater stated, 'I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions.' She described Mr. Hammill as a 'single man, an actor and very close to his family members' and offered condolences. The medical cause of death was recorded as 'hanging'.
Mr. Hammill's sister, Caroline, said his death came as a 'complete shock' to the family. No one was aware of his mental health struggles or that he was 'feeling low enough to end his life'. She added that he was 'happy in life' and 'loved by his family and nieces and nephews'.
Police Response
Lancashire 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.'
Tributes
Tributes to Mr. Hammill described him as having a 'huge loving heart' and being 'one of the most talented actors'. His Emmerdale co-star Amy Walsh wrote on Instagram: 'There are no words.' Another former co-star, Lamin Touray, said: 'You were one of the most talented, funny, kind-hearted, loyal, caring, wise people I've ever met; you taught me so much.' Theatre Royal Wakefield also expressed sadness at his passing.
Mr. Hammill's other screen credits included roles in Justice League, independent film Last Laugh, and Abraham's Point. He also fronted a Nectar points ad campaign for Sainsbury's and worked as a drama teacher, appearing in productions by the John Godber Company such as Happy Jack and Bouncers.
