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, 41, was found dead in his home on December 30 last year, a day after being questioned by Lancashire Police.
He left a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his home, warning them not to enter and to alert emergency services.
Mr Hammill was known for his role as a prison guard in Emmerdale and as a police officer in the hit BBC drama Happy Valley.
The actor appeared to be in ‘good spirits’ when he left the station the previous day, custody officers told Doncaster Coroner’s Court.
The police had no concerns over his mental wellbeing or safety, it has been reported.
Police and paramedics arrived at Mr Hammill’s flat just after 2pm but he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 2.13pm.
Further notes had been left for Mr Hammill’s family and friends following his arrest, the coroner said.
‘I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions,’ she concluded and offered her condolences to his loved ones.
Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill (pictured) died by suicide after he was arrested by police, an inquest has heard
Frazer Hammill (right) as a detective constable in series one of Happy Valley
Mr Hammill’s medical cause of death was recorded as ‘hanging’.
The inquest heard from Mr Hammill’s sister Caroline, who said her brother’s death had come as a ‘complete shock’ to the family.
No one had been aware of the actor’s mental health struggles or that he was ‘feeling low enough to end his life’, she told the court.
Mr Hammill had been ‘happy in life’ and was ‘loved by his family and nieces and nephews’, Caroline added.
The John Godber Theatre Company broke the news of Mr Hammill’s death on Instagram in January, 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.’
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
Mr Hammill’s Emmerdale co-star Amy Walsh also paid tribute to the late actor following his death in a post saying ‘there are no words’ accompanied by broken heart emojis.
Another of his former co-stars, Lamin Touray, wrote on social media at the time: ‘You were one of the most talented, funny, kind-hearted, loyal, caring, wise people I’ve ever met; you taught me so much.’
He added: ‘One of the most talented actors who became more than just a friend and colleague, you became family.
‘You met my daughter just a few weeks ago. You came to watch the boxing at my house. All my family loved you and always spoke so highly of you!
‘Me and you spoke about our big plans for 2026. We set goals and aims. You were in such a good place emotionally, career-wise, FLYING, but it wasn’t enough to keep you with us.’
Theatre Royal Wakefield said it was ‘saddened to hear the news of Frazer Hammill’s passing’.
