A BBC radio presenter was found dead inside her holiday apartment four days after her family was involved in a car crash in Canada, an inquest has heard.
Mother-of-two Lynda Shahwan, 53, from Heath, in Cardiff, had worked as a creator and co-presenter with Radio Two’s Terry Walton’s ‘Plotcast’ podcast.
Mrs Shahwan, who had worked for BBC Radio Wales for more than 25 years, had been on holiday in north America with her husband and their two sons when a car she was a passenger in overturned.
As an inquest into her death opened today, it was heard the veteran journalist was rushed to Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver with various injuries including a collapsed lung, fractured rib and abdominal bruising.
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that she was allowed to leave hospital the following day, but she was informed she was not yet fit to fly home.
She remained in Canada while the rest of her family returned to the UK as planned, it is understood.
By July 19, her husband was unable to contact her and called police. She was found dead by officers inside a holiday apartment.
Coroner’s officer Joanne Webb said: ‘On the 15th July, 2025, 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 discharged the following day and remained in Canada.
But on the 19th July her family were unable to contact her and called police and she was tragically found dead.
Ms Webb added: ‘On the 19th July, family were unable to contact Ms Shahwan and alerted Vancouver Police. Ms Shahwan was located deceased in her property.
‘The deceased was identified by her husband on the 19th August 2025.’
A pathologist gave a provisional cause of death was given as motor vehicle incident leading to peritonitis, which is an infection of the abdomen’s inner lining.
Coroner Andrew Morse adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed and passed on his condolences to Lynda’s family.
Following her death, Radio 2’s Walton – 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, has attracted thousands of listeners and offers tips and advice throughout the growing seasons.
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.’
