‘Talented, funny’ former Happy Valley actor took own life day after being arrested, inquest finds
Frazer Hammill, who also appeared on Emmerdale, was found dead at his home address in Doncaster
04:00, 21 Apr 2026
Frazer Hammil died aged 41(Image: John Godber Company)
An actor who had appeared in Emmerdale and Happy Valley took his own life the day after he was arrested by police.
Frazer Hammill was found dead at his home address in Doncaster on December 30, 2025, after he had hung himself, an inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court found yesterday (Monday, April 20). Frazer had left a note on a neighbour’s door with a key to his property. He told them not to enter and to call the police as he had taken his own life.
The day before, the 41-year-old was arrested by Lancashire Police and questioned at a police station in Doncaster. Custody officers at the station said Frazer “appeared to be in good spirits” as he left following questioning. They said they had “no concerns” regarding his safety and mental wellbeing. Yorkshire Live has asked Lancashire Police for more information regarding the arrest.
Area coroner Louise Slater concluded Frazer died from suicide, with the medical cause of death noted as “1a. hanging”. She 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. Frazer left a message for neighbours indicating he had taken his own life, not to enter the property, and to call the police.”
Mrs Slater said the police found Frazer, who could be resuscitated by paramedics. His time of death was recorded as 2.13pm. She added: “I am aware that Frazer had been assisting police with some enquiries the day before his death and had left notes for friends and family to consider.
“Therefore, I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions. I am satisfied he intended to end his life at that point.
“I wish my most sincere condolences to Frazer’s family and friends at this distressing time.”
In a statement read out in court, Frazer’s sister Caroline Hammil said his passing was a “complete shock to the whole family”. No one was aware he was struggling with his mental health and “feeling low enough to end his life”. She said he was “happy in life” and “loved his family and nieces and nephews”.
Announcing his passing, the John Godber Company said 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”. They added: “Frazer had a huge loving heart and enormous talent. We are all heartbroken.”
Lamin Touray, who shared stages with Frazer “hundreds of times up and down the country”, said on his social media: “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.”
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