TRIBUTES have been paid and a crowdfunding campaign has been launched following the sudden death of a Truro city councillor.

Jonathan Tann, independent councillor to the Moresk and Trehaverne ward, died on Friday, September 18. As a mark of respect, the St Piran flag will be flown at half-mast at Truro City Hall today (Monday, September 21) and on the day of his funeral.

A father-of-three who ran a building consultancy business, Cllr Tann was elected as an in May 2025 and sat on several committees including Parks and Amenities and Planning and Licencing, and the Bonfire and Fireworks Event Working Group.

A statement released on behalf of Truro City Council said members were “deeply saddened” by the news. City mayor Cllr Chris Wells added: “Like all Truro city councillors, 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." A GoFundMe campaign in his memory has raised over half its £3,500 target in just a few days. Creator Kerry Penhaligon said: “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.

Ms Penhaligon added that 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”.

Fellow councillor Bert Biscoe said he was “shocked” by the news, adding that Cllr Tann left “a growing reputation as a highly effective member of the city council.”

He added: “Jonathan Tann's death has robbed not only his family but also his town of a thoughtful, kind, dynamic man - a leader.

“Like many others, I knew John as somebody I could count on for help, whether that was practical and physical, or more spiritual and creative. Like his mum and dad, John had a very strong sense of natural justice, and he was tireless in his efforts to try and make things as good as he could.

“This is a very difficult moment to comprehend, especially for his partner, children and extended family. It is also a moment when the town which John loved instinctively and passionately becomes a community, less in grief than in thoughtful care and practical sympathy. I have been enriched by knowing him.

Community stalwart Paul Caruana remembered Cllr Tann as a “a very erudite man”, adding: “I have known Jon his whole lifetime, and despite the difference in our ages, he had many wise words for me about various things around the city, including our graffiti removal project.

“His ambition was to make his family proud by being mayor one day, and when he was elected councillor, I hoped that was a first step. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was a good man and a very sad loss to Truro”.

To make a donation to the crowdfunding campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-jonathan-tann.