The cause of BBC presenter Lynda Shahwan’s death has been examined at her inquest today (April 16), after she died following a car accident on holiday.
The journalist, from Heath, Cardiff, had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years. She most recently co-hosted on Radio 2 with gardener Terry Walton on his Plotcast gardening podcast.
However, in July 2025, it was announced that mum-of-two Lynda had tragically died aged just 53. This week, her full inquest was held.
BBC presenter Lynda Shahwan’s cause of death revealed
More details of Lynda’s death were shared at a preliminary inquest back in November. At the time, the BBC confirmed that Lynda died four days after a car crash while on holiday in North America with her husband and two sons.
The accident happened on July 15 while she was in the vehicle when the car overturned. She was a passenger and not driving. Lynda was taken urgently to hospital in Vancouver, suffering from multiple injuries.
“Injuries were sustained and Ms Shahwan was treated in hospital and diagnosed with a fractured rib, abdominal bruising, and a pneumothorax (collapsed lung),” Coroner’s officer Joanne Webb said, according to the Daily Mail.
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that she was discharged the next day but was advised that she was not yet fit to fly home. It is understood that she stayed in Canada while the rest of her family returned to the UK as planned.
By July 19, her husband was unable to reach her and contacted the police. Officers later found her deceased inside a holiday apartment.
“The deceased was identified by her husband on the 19th August 2025,” Webb added.
The provisional cause of death was given by a pathologist as a motor vehicle incident leading to peritonitis, an infection affecting the inner lining of the abdomen. Coroner Andrew Morse adjourned the inquest to a date to be arranged and extended his sympathies to Lynda’s family.
Full inquest held for late BBC star
This week, a full inquest has been held at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court. It heard how Lynda was treated at Lions Gate Hospital for a fractured rib, collapsed lung and abdominal bruising. She was discharged the following day, but was deemed unfit to fly and had to stay in Canada while her husband and two sons returned to Wales, the hearing was told.
But when her husband, Sharif, was unable to contact her, he called the police and discovered his wife had died. Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Mrs Shahwan was found dead by police inside a holiday apartment on West 13th Avenue in Vancouver.
The coroner recorded her cause of death as “infective complications of injuries sustained as a consequence of a road traffic collision”.
Coroner Graeme Hughes said: “Post-mortem examination determined that she had developed an infection in her abdomen [peritonitis].” It added: “Likely a consequence of injuries sustained in the collision.”
Coroner’s officer Joanne Webb added: “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).”
‘We are all devastated’
Following her death, Lynda’s colleagues at Radio Wales paid tribute to the journalist. Many called her a “very special person”.
Head of Radio Wales Carolyn Hitt said: “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. There, 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.”
BBC presenter Lynda Shahwan ‘taken far too soon’
Paying tribute to his podcast colleague, Terry Walton said: “We pass our sympathies on to Lynda’s husband Sharif, their two sons and all of the family on the tragic and sudden taking of Lynda from us far too soon.”
“My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done.”
He added: “Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Her professionalism and easygoing manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both.
“We became true friend. After recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life.”
Broadcaster Howard Griffiths paid tribute. He said on X: “Deeply upset. Very very upset by [the] news of the passing of Lynda Shahwan following a car accident on holiday in Canada.
“Worked closely with Lynda at BBC Radio Wales & BBC Events. A wonderfully kind & thoughtful friend & colleague. Thoughts are with her family.”
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