**Renowned Actor Timothy West’s Cause of Death Detailed At Inquest**
The passing of esteemed actor Timothy West was revisited at a recent inquest, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his death last November aged 90. The hearing took place at Westminster Coroner’s Court, attended virtually by members of his immediate family and close friends, providing a solemn moment to reflect on the final months of a man who was beloved both on and off screen.
Timothy West, best known for notable roles spanning acclaimed television dramas and British soap operas—including “Brass,” “Not Going Out,” “Coronation Street,” and “EastEnders”—died peacefully in a care home following a serious fall at his home. The inquest confirmed that the actor suffered a severe brain injury in August 2024 after an unwitnessed accident near his Wandsworth residence, an incident that would ultimately set in motion the decline in his health.
Assistant Coroner Ellie Oakley outlined the timeline during proceedings, stating, “It is not possible to determine the precise circumstances of the fall, but there is no evidence suggesting the involvement of any other parties.” Mr West was admitted to hospital following the discovery after passers-by found him unconscious on a footpath. Upon arrival at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, he underwent neurological assessment, after which he remained under medical supervision for three months as his family and medical team considered options for his ongoing care.
Unfortunately, despite best efforts and high hopes for rehabilitation, West’s condition deteriorated. In November, he was moved to Wandsworth Common Care Home to receive palliative care, as it was clear he would not recover sufficiently to return home as he had wished. Thomas Holden, the care home’s general manager, recalled in a statement to the inquest that West’s final days were spent surrounded by family, who stayed by his side until his passing on the evening of 12 November 2024.
Medical testimony provided further detail on the actor’s decline. According to the coroner and healthcare statements, the primary cause of death was identified as a subdural haematoma and extra-axial haemorrhage, the consequence of the earlier traumatic brain injury. Other contributing factors were listed as non-convulsive status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, and pre-existing hypertension, all combining to make recovery impossible in his advanced years.
The impact of Mr West’s loss was palpable. The coroner took a moment to address mourners on the video call, expressing “sincerest condolences to Mr West’s family and friends for this tragic loss of their loved one.” His death, though ultimately peaceful, followed a period of considerable challenge after a lifelong dedication to creative and public life.
West’s family, including his wife, celebrated actress Prunella Scales, and his children, paid tribute in a joint statement at the time of his death. “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep,” they wrote, noting that he was “with friends and family at the end”. Loved ones highlighted his passion for acting, leadership at home, and warmth as a patriarch to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Beyond his television notoriety, West leaves an extraordinary legacy in British theatre and film. His career was marked by versatility, undertaking roles such as Bradley Hardacre in “Brass,” Eric Babbage in “Coronation Street,” and Stan Carter in “EastEnders.” He additionally took to the stage, with a particular passion for Shakespeare, portraying King Lear in acclaimed productions across the decades.
West’s personal life also made headlines, particularly his marriage of 61 years to Prunella Scales. Together, they featured in “Great Canal Journeys,” a documentary series much loved by viewers for its depiction of travel and companionship. Outside their shared creative pursuits, their partnership and mutual support stood as an example in a notoriously tricky profession.
Recognised with a CBE in 1984 for services to drama, Timothy West’s influence extended well beyond the roles for which he is publicly remembered. His passing marks the conclusion of a remarkable career, leaving behind a substantial contribution to British culture and the arts—a legacy mourned by many across the nation.