Police inquiry after Hockney assistant found dead in home

Dominic Elliott was taken to Scarborough Hospital in a serious condition from Mr Hockney’s home near the seafront in Bridlington in the early hours of Sunday.

Speculation about his death was rife yesterday, but police said they were keeping an open mind.

Reports said the popular sportsman, known for his mop of curly ginger hair and exuberant personality, had been on a night out and returned to Mr Hockney’s home where he fell ill.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are treating the death as unexplained. We are keeping an open mind. Whether or not alcohol played a part is something we may find out as a result of the post mortem.”

Mr Elliott had reportedly asked John Fitzherbert, David Hockney’s long-term partner, to take him to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police declined to say whether the Bradford-born artist was at home at the time, but he is understood to be in the UK. He yesterday made no public comment about Mr Elliott’s death.

The 23-year-old was one of a number of assistants who help Mr Hockney set up his projects and exhibitions, including the hugely successful Royal Academy show A Bigger Picture last year, which celebrated the landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds through the artist’s work.

Mr Elliott was a member of Bridlington Rugby Club and played for Driffield Hockey Club.

Director of rugby Richard Girking said Mr Elliott was a “bundle of fun and energy”, who “made everyone realise they had to enjoy life... he certainly knew how to enjoy himself.”

He played in the first team within three or four months of joining the club, but had not played since Christmas because of work commitments.

Mr Girking said: “No one would say a bad word about him.

“He was a genuinely nice guy; exuberant, always larger than life, moving about making his presence felt.

“He didn’t play every week - he was going to America and Germany quite a bit, doing various bits and pieces.”

Friends and teammates at Driffield Hockey Club, where he had been due to play this weekend, said his death had left “a huge Dom-shaped hole in everyone’s lives”.

Men’s 1st XI captain and close friend, Adam Saltonstall told the Yorkshire Post one of Dominic’s most prized possessions was an image of a painting David Hockney had completed of him.

He added: “This has really left everybody in absolute pieces. He was the ultimate big friendly giant – he will really be missed.”

Mr Elliott had been included in the first team squad for the last game of the season, this coming weekend.

Of the speculation surrounding the circumstances of Mr Elliott’s death, Mr Saltonstall said: “He enjoyed a drink with the hockey and rugby lads, but I’ve heard nothing either way.”

Rugby club chairman Gordon Morrice added: “It’s a very, very sad loss and we send our condolences to has family.

“Dominic was a valued member of our club, a good player with great potential.

“With his size and ability he could easily have established himself as a first team regular.

“He was a popular lad and had so many friends at the club.”

Chairman of Driffield Hockey Club, Richard Hardy, said he was a “capable” young sportsman who had played for the first team. “He had the ability to play but wasn’t always available,” he said.

“They are in the top of the York league so he was a capable young sportsman. It is a sad loss.”

In a statement, police said there had been no signs of violence.

A post-mortem examination was due to take place today.

It said: “The circumstances of the man’s death are not clear and officers are currently undertaking inquiries to establish events leading to his death.”

Mr Elliott’s family did not wish to comment.