A BBC presenter tragically died from an infection after being discharged from hospital, following a horrific car crash during a family holiday in Canada. BBC Radio Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan, aged 53, was on a trip with her husband and their two sons when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a collision and overturned.
Details of the Accident and Hospitalisation
The incident occurred last year, and Lynda and her family were rushed to Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver. Medical examinations confirmed that she had sustained a fractured rib, a collapsed lung, and abdominal bruising. Despite these serious injuries, she was discharged from the hospital the day after the accident.
Family Departure and Subsequent Events
Her family flew back to the UK on July 18, but Lynda was unable to travel due to her abdominal bruising. She had planned to stay in Canada to recover. However, on July 19, when her family could not reach her, they contacted Canadian authorities, who later found her dead.
Inquest Findings and Cause of Death
An inquest held this week at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard the details of her passing. Coroner Graeme Hughes stated that a post-mortem examination determined she had developed peritonitis, an infection in her abdomen, likely resulting from the injuries sustained in the collision. He concluded that her death was due to infective complications of injuries sustained as a consequence of a road traffic collision.
Her health had declined significantly after her discharge from hospital and the departure of her family, leading to this tragic outcome.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Following her death, tributes poured in from the broadcasting community. Carolyn Hitt, head of Radio Wales, described Lynda as a very special person who made a brilliant impact on the station since starting her career in 1999. She highlighted Lynda's work across various programmes, including her role as Roy Noble’s co-presenter, where she was affectionately nicknamed The Lily from Caerphilly.
More recently, Lynda had been co-presenting and producing the Plotcast with Terry Walton, a gardening podcast that showcased her creativity and innovation. Terry Walton expressed his sorrow, saying that working with Lynda was the most fulfilling broadcasting experience of his career, praising her professionalism and the strong friendship they developed.
Carolyn Hitt added that the entire Radio Wales team is devastated by the sudden loss of their much-loved colleague and friend, extending heartfelt condolences to Lynda’s husband Sharif, their two sons, and all family and friends.
