A well known Truro man, elected as a councillor for the city he loved last year, has died suddenly. Jonathan Tann, 49, was councillor for the Moresk and Trehaverne ward.
In a statement issued today (Monday, September 21), Truro City Council said it was "deeply saddened to receive the news over the weekend that Councillor Jonathan Tann had passed away.
"Jonathan was a respected colleague who was elected to council at the last election. His contributions to council business during this time have been greatly valued. His passing has come as a profound shock to councillors and staff, and he will be remembered with great fondness".
The Mayor of Truro, Cllr Chris Wells, added: "Like all Truro city councillors and the council's officers and staff, I received the news of Cllr Jonathan Tann's tragic death with great shock. On behalf of the council, I send my sincere condolences to his family and will remember them in my prayers.
"Although Jonathan was a member of the council for a relatively short time, he certainly made his presence felt. He was never backward in expressing his opinions and his experience was valued in many discussions. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."
As a mark of respect, the Cornish flag at Truro City Hall will be flown at half-mast today and again on the day of Jonathan's funeral.
Jonathan, or John as he was known to many, was a father-of-three, who ran a building consultancy business and was from a well known Truro family. Last year he received a posthumous award from Truro Civic Society on behalf of his late parents. Ronnie and Sue Tann died months apart in 2024 and were renowned for their efforts on the Trelander estate, where Ronnie had lived his entire life.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Kerry Penhaligon in aid of Jonathan's family. She wrote: "Following the sudden and devastating passing of Jonathan Tann on September, 18 we are asking for your support for Sharon and her children, Ben, Isla and Georgie, as they face an unimaginable and uncertain future without him.
"Jonathan was a truly larger-than-life character – someone whose presence could light up a room and who was loved by so many. He had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone who needed it, often putting others before himself without a second thought.
"He made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and his loss has left an enormous hole in the lives of his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
"Jonathan’s passing has left the family facing not only the overwhelming grief of losing someone so suddenly, but also the practical and financial challenges that come with such a heartbreaking loss.
"Any money raised will help provide some financial security for Sharon and the children in the months and years ahead, helping with the costs of everyday life and giving them some stability as they begin to navigate life without Jonathan."
At the time of writing, it had raised over £3,200 towards a £6,500 target. You can donate here.
Carol Swain, a former mayor of Truro, said: "I was shocked to hear the news of Jonathan's very sudden passing. We will miss his enthusiastic and effective participation at council meetings and in committees. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends."
Fellow city councillor Sarah Douglas-Martin wrote: "Very sad to learn of his passing, he was an enthusiastic member of the council and was a great friend to me during the past few months, he will be greatly missed."
Truro Civic Society member Paul Caruana said he was "still in shock at his sudden and unexpected passing. JT was a friend, a good friend, one who will be remembered in lots of ways. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP JT".
Former Truro detective Mark Heffer told CornwallLive: "This is very sad news. He stood up with me when others would not step in to help Old Bill. A decent guy who I had a drink with off duty afterwards."
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Truro Councillor Jonathan Tann Dies Suddenly