Tory ex-council leader, 69, was killed when his all-terrain vehicle flipped over on his country estate, inquest hears
- Anthony Trollope-Bellew, 69, lost control of his vehicle as it flipped onto its side
- The Tory ex-council leader suffered fatal injuries to his head, an inquest heard
Anthony Trollope-Bellew was serving on Somerset West and Taunton Council
A Tory ex-council leader was killed in a ‘tragic accident’ when his all-terrain vehicle flipped over on his estate, an inquest heard.
Father-of-two Anthony Trollope-Bellew, 69, lost control of his vehicle as it flipped onto its side and ejected the local politician on October 28, 2022.
An inquest heard how he suffered fatal injuries to his head and neck and died at the scene at Quantock Hills in Somerset, despite emergency medical treatment.
Mr Trollope-Bellew was a former leader of the now disbanded West Somerset District Council and a Cabinet Member at Somerset County Council.
At the time of his death he was a member of Somerset West and Taunton Council, with political colleagues describing him as a ‘true Tory of the old school’.
Pictured: View from Quantock Hills, Somerset. An inquest heard how he suffered fatal injuries to his head and neck and died at the scene at Quantock Hills in Somerset, despite emergency medical treatment
David Fothergill, Conservative Leader at Somerset County Council, said: ‘I was shocked to learn of the untimely death of Anthony in apparent tragic circumstances.
‘Anthony was larger than life character who cared passionately about West Somerset, the Quantocks and doing the right ‘thing’.
‘As Leader of West Somerset District Council and a Cabinet Member at Somerset County Council Anthony was immensely liked and respected by colleagues and officers.
‘My thoughts are with his wife Annabelle, their family and friends at this very sad time.’
West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said: ‘The family name has been synonymous with the area for decades and Anthony was one of the most respected members of the local farming community.’
Assistant coroner Nicholas Lane recorded an accident death conclusion.
The inquest took place three days before the ex-councillor was commemorated by a race at Taunton on March 20 which was named in his honour.
