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BBC presenter died of 'infective complications' after car overturned in holiday crash

Veteran journalist and BBC presenter Lynda Shahwan, 53, sadly passed away following a horror car crash during a family holiday as the vehicle she was in with her two sons overturned

[Lynda Sian Shahwan]

Lynda Shahwan was involved in a horror crash on holiday(Image: BBC)

A BBC presenter who worked with Radio Two gardener Terry Walton died of an infection after she suffered a terrifying car crash while on holiday in Canada, an inquest heard.

Veteran journalist Lynda Shahwan, 53, hosted the popular "Plotcast" podcast with gardening favourite Walton and worked across BBC shows for several year.

She was a passenger in a car while on holiday with her husband and their two sons when it overturned in a crash. The mother-of-two was taken to hospital with various injuries including a collapsed lung and abdominal bruising but allowed to leave the following day.

However, four days after the crash her family failed to rouse her and Lynda was pronounced dead by police inside a holiday apartment, on West 13th Avenue, Vancouver.

[Lynda Shahwan]

Shahwan (left) tragically died days after the incident(Image: BBC Wales)

Coroner Graeme Hughes said: "Post-mortem examination determined that she had developed an infection in her abdomen [peritonitis], likely a consequence of injuries sustained in the collision."

He recorded a conclusion of death from "infective complications of injuries sustained as a consequence of a road traffic collision".

A previous hearing was told the crash took place on July 15 last year. Coroner's officer Joanne Webb said: "Lynda Shahwan was the passenger in a motor vehicle in North Vancouver, Canada, with family members.

"The vehicle was involved in a road traffic collision and overturned.

"Injuries were sustained and Ms Shahwan was treated at Lions Gate Hospital and diagnosed with a fractured rib, abdominal bruising, and a pneumothorax (collapsed lung)."

Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard Mrs Shahwan was found dead on July 19 after her family were unable to contact her and called police.

Following her death, Radio 2 gardening expert Terry - a regular gardener on the Jeremy Vine show - said Lynda was taken "far too soon."

He said: "My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done.

"Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Such fun whilst still being very informative.

"Her professionalism and easy going manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both.

"We became true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life."

The podcast made by BBC Radio Wales podcast has appealed to thousands of listeners, giving advice and reflecting the growing seasons,

Lynda, who lived in Heath, Cardiff, who had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years.

Head of Radio Wales Carolyn Hitt said: "Lynda was a very special person. Since she began her career with Radio Wales in 1999 she made a brilliant impact on the station, on and off air, working across almost all of our output.

"For several years, Lynda was Roy Noble's fellow presenter on his morning show, where he affectionately christened her 'The Lily from Caerphilly'.

"More recently, Lynda was back in front of the mic once more, this time with Terry Walton, co-presenting and producing her fantastic passion project the Plotcast - just one of the many examples of her creativity and innovation.

"We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend and our hearts go out to Lynda's husband Sharif - who is also a much-loved colleague - their two sons and all their family and friends."

Veteran BBC broadcaster Roy Noble added: "Our feelings of condolence go to Lynda's family, Sharif and the boys.

"It was a sudden, sudden loss to them and something we in Radio Wales cannot process. Her legacy will be always, always remembered."

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