- Dominic Elliott rushed to Scarborough Hospital by friend at 6am yesterday
- He 'was on night out and went back to Hockney's home' before falling ill
- 23-year-old recruited by Hockney, 75, to set up equipment for art works
- Reports say artist was in Bridlington, East Yorks, when tragedy happened
- Rugby club friends say Dominic was 'absolute bundle of fun and energy'
By Mark Duell and Suzannah Hills
PUBLISHED: 03:42 EST, 18 March 2013 | UPDATED: 12:43 EST, 18 March 2013
David Hockney's long-term partner drove his dying personal assistant to hospital after he was taken ill at the renowned British artist's seaside home, it was claimed today.
Dominic Elliott, 23, was taken to Scarborough Hospital in North Yorkshire at 6am yesterday from Mr Hockney's home in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in a serious condition. He was later pronounced dead.
Local residents claimed Mr Elliott had been on a night out and returned to Mr Hockney's home where he fell ill and was said to have been driven to hospital by Hockney's partner John Fitzherbert.
Mr Elliott was a close friend of the artist and helped him set up his equipment when he was working on his projects and exhibitions. Mr Hockney, 75, even painted a portrait of Mr Elliott in 2008.
Friends: Renowned artist David Hockney (left) employed keen sportsman Dominic Elliott (right) as an assistant
House: Mr Elliott was taken from David Hockney's home (pictured today) in Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The death of Mr Elliott is said to be 'unexplained' and police are awaiting the results of a post mortem and questioning his work colleagues in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.
Hockney was believed to have been in the area. Violence was ruled out and The Daily Telegraph claimed initial reports suggest that the victim had taken 'something that had led to his death'.
Pictured: David Hockney, 75, painted a portrait of his assistant Dominic Elliott, 23, in 2008
Locals told how Mr Elliott played for Bridlington Rugby Club, and a statement on the club's website said: 'Bridlington Rugby Club would like to send their condolences to the family of Dom Elliott.
'He played for the club at both second team and first team level. He will be sadly missed by all the players and Club members.'
The club's director of rugby Rich Girking told the Bridlington Free Press: 'He was a cracking lad - an absolute bundle of fun and energy. He was constantly smiling and was a joy to be around.
'When he was out, he was the life and soul of the party, a fun-loving guy who was larger than life and everyone enjoyed his company. It's an absolute tragedy.'
Mr Elliott also played hockey and was said to have been a member of the Bridlington branch of the East Riding Young Farmers Club.
A friend, who did not wish to be named, said he was an outgoing person and added: 'I believe his dad died some years ago, so it was just him and his mum and his sister. Dom was Bridlington-born and bred and didn't seem to have any plans to go anywhere - he just loved working for Hockney.
Outgoing: Mr Elliott played hockey and rugby and was said to have been in the East Riding Young Farmers Club
Sportsman: Mr Elliott (right) is pictured playing for Bridlington Rugby Club against Heath last November
'I have heard he was on a night out in Bridlington and went back to Hockney's home afterwards.'
Driffield Hockey Club's first XI captain Adam Saltonstall said on Twitter: 'Horrified to hear news that Driffield HC teammate, Dom Elliott, died yesterday. Fantastic player, much loved by all.'
Another local woman said she believed Mr Elliot was at a house party on Saturday night.
It's understood that Dominic lived in his own flat in Bridlington after moving out of the family home. His family are believed to have lived in Bridlington since 2006. Mr Elliott's family did not wish to comment.
One neighbour said: 'It's such a shame. He was regularly visiting his mother, doing her errands and mowing her lawn. Only a couple of months ago he was helping to clear my lawn of the snow.'
Outside the house: Visitors were pictured arriving today at David Hockney's home in Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Talented: This 2004 painting Four Roads and Cornfields is a prime example of Hockney's much-loved artwork
At Mr Elliott's local pub, The Ship Inn, a member of staff said Dominic was 'such a bright young man'. She added: 'Dominic used to come in a lot with his friends for a few quiet beers.
FROM YORKSHIRE TO CALIFORNIA
Bradford-born David Hockney's colourful paintings often showcase landscape of his native Yorkshire or his adopted home in California.
Hockney was an important contributor to the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century.
He was the subject of a major exhibition at the Royal Academy in London last year with an exhibition of his large scale landscapes.
The artist is famous for artworks such as A Bigger Splash, a vivid depiction of a Los Angeles swimming pool, and the portrait Mr And Mrs Clark And Percy.
In recent years he has been exploring the possibilities of using an iPad for his artworks.
His print from 2008 of 'Dominic Elliott' (seen above) shows his ginger-haired assistant dressed in blue trousers and short sleeve top sat on a chair, staring straight ahead.
'When he came in, he seemed like the life and soul of the party, always smiling and seemed a very bright young lad.'
Police were contacted by the hospital after Mr Elliott was taken there by a friend and later died.
A Humberside Police spokesman said: 'The circumstances of the man's death are not clear and officers are currently undertaking enquiries to establish events leading to his death.
'There were no signs of violence and a post-mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow which is hoped may provide further information.'
Police said people who may have known or worked with Mr Elliott would be questioned, as was normal procedure after a sudden death.
Hockney is one of Britain's best-known artists after a long career as a modern art pioneer.
He has also courted controversy, as he was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was largely taboo. He met his partner Mr Fitzherbert, a professional chef, at a lunch in London 23 years ago.
Hockney is also known for his love of tobacco and his campaigning for the rights of smokers.
Nobody was available to speak at his home this morning. The large, detached, red-brick house is in a residential area near the seafront of the coastal town, with views of the beach and sea.
The blinds were drawn in the large bay windows and there was no answer at the door, although people had been seen entering the house earlier and two cars were parked in the driveway.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (left) and former U.S. National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman (right) watch an exhibition game between a team from the (North) Korean University of Physical Education and the Harlem Globetrotters in Pyongyang on Thursday. A can of Coca-Cola, a symbol of capitalism, placed in front of Rodman catches the eye. On the right is the front page of the Feb. 1 edition of the Rodong Shinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers` Party of North Korea, that carried the photo showing the Coke can.
Poor young fella. Condolences to his family and friends.
- anon england , Newcastle, United Kingdom, 18/3/2013 13:24
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