BBC radio presenter dies after ‘car crash on family holiday’ – as ‘devastated’ colleagues pay tribute

A BBC radio presenter has died following a car crash during a family holiday. 

Lynda Shahwan, 53, died while in Canada with her husband and their two sons. 

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

Paying tribute to his co-host, Mr Walton said the last two years working with Mrs Shahwan had been ‘the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done’.

‘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,’ he said.

Mr Walton said he and Mrs Shahwan had become ‘true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life’.

He added: ‘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.’

BBC Radio Wales presenter Lynda Shahwan, 53, has died while in Canada with her husband and their two sons

The mother, from Heath, in Cardiff, had created and co-presented allotment podcast Terry Walton’s Plotcast. Pictured here with her co-host Mr Walton

Mrs Shahwan 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.’

Fellow BBC Wales journalist Sue Charles said she had been left devastated by her colleague’s death. 

Writing on X, she said: ‘Lynda Shahwan was one of the loveliest, most talented people I’ve ever worked with. 

Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues for Ms Shahwan after her shock death 

‘A wonderful friend and colleague at BBC Wales, who has died while on holiday in Canada. Thoughts are with Sharif and all the family.’

Broadcaster Howard Griffiths said he was ‘crying and in shock’. 

‘Deeply upset, very very upset by [the] news of the passing of Lynda Shahwan following a car accident on holiday in Canada,’ he wrote on X. 

‘Worked closely with Lynda at BBC Radio Wales & BBC Events. A wonderfully kind & thoughtful friend & colleague. Thoughts are with her family.’