UPDATE: BBC presenter Lynda Sian Shahwan, 53, has tragically died just days after being discharged from Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver, following a serious car accident. The news was confirmed during an inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court earlier today.
On July 15, 2023, Shahwan was a passenger in a vehicle with family when they were involved in a severe crash in north Vancouver, resulting in their car overturning. She sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured rib, abdominal bruising, and a pneumothorax. Although she was released from the hospital the next day, she was deemed unfit to fly home.
Tragically, on July 19, 2023, her family was unable to reach her, and she was discovered dead in her home. A month later, her identity was formally confirmed by her husband. The pathologist determined that the cause of death was peritonitis stemming from the motor vehicle incident.
Coroner Alex Morse described her death as “unnatural” and announced that the inquest would be adjourned, with a new date yet to be fixed. He expressed heartfelt condolences to Shahwan’s family during this difficult time.
Born on September 3, 1971, in Caerphilly, Shahwan had a distinguished career with BBC Radio Wales spanning over 25 years. Most notably, she created one of Wales’ most beloved podcasts, focusing on the joys of allotment life, which provided gardening advice to thousands of listeners.
In a heartfelt tribute, the head of Radio Wales, Carolyn Hitt, expressed the staff’s devastation at the sudden loss, saying, “We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend. Our hearts go out to Lynda’s husband Sharif—who is also a much-loved colleague—and their two sons, along with all their family and friends.”
As the community mourns this sudden loss, the inquest into Lynda Sian Shahwan’s death continues to unfold, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
