Police inquiry into death of artist David Hockney’s assistant

Police investigating how artist David Hockney 's assistant died after he was taken ill at the painter's home are waiting for the results of a postmortem.

Dominic Elliott (23) died after he was taken to hospital from Mr Hockney's house near the seafront in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

Mr Elliott, a keen sportsman, worked as a personal assistant to the 75-year-old, setting up equipment and helping him in his studio.

He has also been the subject of more than one Hockney portrait.

Humberside Police said the circumstances of his death were “not clear” and officers were investigating.

Mr Elliott died at Scarborough General Hospital on Sunday morning after he was brought in by a friend.

It is understood that friend is not Mr Hockney, who is said to be very upset by Mr Elliott’s death.

Humberside Police said: “The 23-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at hospital and the police notified. The circumstances of the man’s death are not clear and officers are currently undertaking inquiries to establish events leading to his death.

“There were no signs of violence.”

Bradford-born Hockney is sometimes referred to as Britain's greatest living artist and is one of the most influential cultural figures of the last 50 years.
– (PA)