Timothy West's Final Wish Revealed at Inquest into Actor's Death

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The inquest into the death of celebrated actor Timothy West revealed his sad final wish, which was to spend his last days at home surrounded by loved ones. West, 90, passed away on November 12th, 2024, at a care home in Wandsworth Common, London, where he had been receiving palliative care. The actor's family had moved him to the care home in November, three months after he suffered a significant traumatic brain injury following a fall near his home in August 2024. Despite receiving appropriate care in the care home, West was not well enough to be discharged to his home, where he had wished to spend his final days.

Key Takeaways:

  • Timothy West had been in hospital for three months following a fall near his home on August 11, 2024, which resulted in a significant traumatic brain injury.
  • He was discharged to a care home on November 5, 2024, for palliative care, but was not well enough to be discharged to his home.
  • The medical cause of death was given as a subdural hematoma and extra-axial hemorrhage, with a traumatic brain injury and non-convulsive status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, and hypertension as contributing factors.
  • The coroner addressed West's family and close friends, passing on her sincerest condolences for the tragic loss of their loved one.
  • The inquest heard that members of the public came across West unconscious on a footpath near Wandsworth Common after his fall and an ambulance crew attended.
  • West's family had arranged for him to be discharged to a private care home to prioritize his comfort and dignity.
  • Timothy West's wife, Prunella Scales, was married to him for 61 years, and he leaves behind a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Statistics:

  • 11 August 2024: Date of West's fall near his home, which resulted in a significant traumatic brain injury.
  • 5 November 2024: Date of West's discharge to a care home from hospital.
  • 12 November 2024: Date of West's death at the care home.
  • 90: West's age at the time of his death.
  • 61: Number of years West was married to his wife, Prunella Scales.
  • 3: Months West spent in hospital following his fall.

Sources:

  • PA News
  • Timothy West's family statement, released through his agent
  • Inquest into the death of Timothy West, held at Westminster Coroner's Court on June 6, 2025
  • Getty Images