A BBC Radio Wales presenter tragically passed away from an infection after being involved in a road accident while vacationing with her family in Canada, an inquest has revealed.

Lynda Shahwan, a 53-year-old Cardiff resident, was known for her work on the popular ‘Plotcast’ podcast alongside BBC Radio 2 gardener Terry Walton. She had been a valued member of the broadcaster for many years.

The mother of two lost her life on July 19 of last year after the vehicle she was a passenger in overturned in North Vancouver.

Following the crash, Mrs. Shahwan received treatment at Lions Gate Hospital for a fractured rib, a collapsed lung, and abdominal bruising.

Although she was discharged the next day, her injuries left her unable to travel, forcing her to stay in Canada while her husband and two sons returned to Wales, the inquest heard.

However, when her husband, Sharif, was unable to reach her, he contacted the police, only to learn the devastating news of his wife’s passing.

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], likely a consequence of injuries sustained in the collision.’   

BBC Radio Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan (pictured), 53, died following a car crash while in Canada with her husband and their two sons

Coroner’s officer Joanne Webb said: ‘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).’ 

Following her death, Radio 2 gardening expert Terry Walton, a regular gardener on the Jeremy Vine show, said Lynda was taken ‘far too soon’. 

Mr Walton 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 Mrs Shahwan and Mr Walton hosted together and produced by BBC Radio Wales podcast appealed to thousands of listeners, giving gardening advice and reflecting on the seasons. 

The mother, from Heath, in Cardiff, had created and co-presented allotment podcast Terry Walton’s (right) Plotcast

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

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.’