BBC radio presenter was found dead in holiday apartment four days after hospital discharged her following horror car crash in Canada
A BBC radio presenter was found dead at his holiday home four days after his family was involved in a car crash in Canada, an inquest has heard.
Mum-of-two Lynda Shahwan, 53, from Heath in Cardiff, was the creator and co-host of Radio Two’s Terry Walton’s ‘Plotcast’ podcast.
Ms Shahwan, who has worked for BBC Radio Wales for more than 25 years, was on holiday in North America with her husband and two sons when a car in which she was a passenger overturned.
As the inquest into his death opened today, it was heard that the experienced journalist was taken to Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver with various injuries, including a collapsed lung, rib fractures and abdominal bruising.
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard he was allowed to leave hospital the next day but was informed he was not yet fit to fly home.
He is understood to have remained in Canada while the rest of his family returned to England as planned.
As of July 19, her husband was unable to contact her and called the police. He was found dead in a holiday home by police officers.
Coroner Joanne Webb said: ‘On 15 July 2025, Lynda Shahwan was a passenger in a motor vehicle with family members in North Vancouver, Canada.
‘The vehicle was involved in a traffic accident and rolled over.
BBC Radio Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan (53) died in a car accident in Canada with her husband and two sons.
‘Injuries occurred and Ms Shahwan was treated at Lions Gate Hospital and diagnosed with broken ribs, abdominal bruising and pneumothorax (collapsed lung).’
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Ms Shahwan was discharged the following day and remained in Canada.
However, on July 19, his family were unable to contact him and called the police, and he was tragically found dead.
Ms Webb added: ‘On July 19 the family were unable to contact Ms Shahwan and notified Vancouver Police. Ms Shahwan was found dead on her property.
‘The deceased was identified by his wife on 19 August 2025.’
A pathologist suggested the provisional cause of death was a motor vehicle accident that caused peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen.
Coroner Andrew Morse adjourned the hearing for a date to be set and expressed his condolences to Lynda’s family.
Following her death, Radio 2’s Walton, who was a regular gardener on the Jeremy Vine programme, said Lynda was taken ‘too soon’.
The mum, from Heath in Cardiff, created and co-hosted the allotment podcast Plotcast of Terry Walton (right).
He said: ‘The last two years working with Lynda on Plotcast have been the most satisfying and rewarding broadcast I’ve ever done.
‘Our chemistry and his creative flair made each episode a precious jewel of horticultural knowledge. Even though it’s a lot of fun, it’s still very informative.
‘His professionalism and relaxed attitude made every recording a pleasure and enabled us to get the most out of both of us.
‘We became real friends and after recording we both relaxed and discussed many aspects of life.’
Produced by BBC Radio Wales, the podcast has attracted thousands of listeners and offers tips and advice throughout the growing seasons.
Carolyn Hitt, Head of Radio Wales, said: ‘Lynda was a very special person.
‘Since starting his career at Radio Wales in 1999, he has made a brilliant impact on the station on and off air, working on almost all of our broadcasts.
Lynda was Roy Noble’s co-host on the morning show for a number of years, and he affectionately called her ‘The Lily from Caerphilly’.
‘More recently Lynda stepped up to the microphone once again, this time co-presenting and producing the fantastical passion project Plotcast with Terry Walton; just one of many examples of his 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, who was also a much loved colleague, her husband Sheriff, their two sons and all their families and friends.’
Senior BBC broadcaster Roy Noble added: ‘We send our condolences to Lynda’s family, the Sheriff and her children.
‘This was a sudden, sudden loss for them and something we as Radio Wales could not afford.
‘His legacy will always, always be remembered.’
