A Tory politician died while driving an all-terrain vehicle that flipped over and threw him out in a 'tragic accident'. An inquest heard Anthony Trollope-Bellew, 69, lost control of the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.
Mr Trollope-Bellew, a father-of-two, was a former leader of the now disbanded West Somerset District Council and a cabinet member at Somerset County Council. He died at the scene of the tragedy last October on his estate in the Quantock Hills in Somerset, despite emergency medical treatment.
The inquest heard he suffered fatal injuries to his head and neck. At the time of his death he was a member of Somerset West and Taunton Council.
Assistant coroner Nicholas Lane recorded a conclusion of accidental death. The inquest took place three days before the ex-councillor was commemorated by a race at Taunton on Monday (March 20) which was named in his honour.
Last year political colleagues said he was a 'true Tory of the old school'. 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."
