Actor Timothy West died “peacefully, surrounded by his family” at a care home where he was receiving palliative care after a three-month stay following a fall, an inquest has heard.
West, who was married to actress Prunella Scales for more than 60 years, is known for his roles in TV shows including comedy-drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders.
His family announced his death last November at the age of 90 surrounded by family and friends, some of whom attended his death hearing at Westminster Coroner's Court on Thursday via video link.
Assistant coroner Ellie Oakley said: “On 11 August 2024, Timothy West fell near his home resulting in a serious head injury.
“It is difficult to establish exactly how the fall occurred, and there is no evidence of possible third party involvement.
“He was treated in hospital for about three months and then on November 5, 2024, he was transferred to a nursing home to receive palliative care.
“Unfortunately, he was unable to return home, despite the fact that he received adequate support in the nursing home.
“He passed away on November 12, 2024.”
In the final days of his life, West lived in a nursing home in Wandsworth.
The care home's chief executive, Thomas Holden, said in a statement given to the inquest on Thursday: “On November 12, his family were with him all day.
“They remained in the room with him throughout the evening and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at 7.20pm.”
In a statement announcing his death last year, his children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph said: “After a long and distinguished life on and off stage, our beloved father Timothy West passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. He was 90 years old.
“In his final moments, Tim was with friends and family.
“He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Prunella Scales, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We will all miss him terribly.”
West and 92-year-old Scales, who played Sybil Fawlty in the TV series Fawlty Towers
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
