A BBC presenter was found dead four days after leaving hospital following a horror car crash on a family holiday, an inquest heard.

Lynda Shahwan, 53, was in Canada with her husband and two sons when their car overturned.
Lynda Shahwan, pictured with her podcast co-host Terry Walton, died on a family tripCredit: BBC
The veteran journalist, who worked as a co-presenter with Radio Two gardener Terry Walton on his “Plotcast” podcast, was taken to hospital with injuries including a collapsed lung and abdominal bruising.

But Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Lynda was allowed to leave the hospital the following day.

She tragically died four days later on July 19 after her family were unable to contact her and called police.

Her provisional cause of death was given as a motor vehicle incident leading to peritonitis – an infection of the abdomen’s inner lining.

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Outlining the tragic facts, 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).”

Coroner Andrew Morse adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed and passed on his condolences to Lynda’s family.

Lynda, who lived in Heath, Cardiff, who had worked for Radio Wales for more than 25 years.

Tributes flooded in for the mum-of-two from colleagues following her death.

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.”

Radio 2 gardening expert Terry – 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.

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“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.”
Lynda was on holiday with her husband and two sonsCredit: W