**Welsh BBC Radio Presenter Lynda Shahwan Dies in Tragic Car Accident in Canada**
Tributes are pouring in for beloved BBC Wales presenter and producer Lynda Shahwan, who has died at the age of 53 following a car crash while on a family holiday in Canada. The news, confirmed by BBC Wales, has left colleagues, friends, and listeners in shock as they come to terms with the sudden loss of one of the station’s most creative talents.
Lynda Shahwan, a mother of two based in the Heath area of Cardiff, had been a key figure at BBC Radio Wales for over 25 years. Her work extended across the station’s output, and she was renowned for both her ingenuity behind the scenes and her warmth on air. Shahwan’s recent projects included co-presenting the popular podcast “Terry Walton’s Plotcast,” a show that celebrates community gardening and rural life on the Rhondda hillsides. The programme earned praise for its blend of informative advice and light-hearted charm, much of which has been attributed to Shahwan’s guiding touch.
Long-time co-presenter Terry Walton reflected on their collaboration, stating, “Working with Lynda on the Plotcast over the last two years has been the highlight of my broadcasting career. She had a natural talent for bringing out the best in people, and her creativity turned each episode into a treasure trove of gardening guidance. Beyond the studio, Lynda was a true friend—the time we spent after recordings, simply talking about life, is something I will always cherish.”
Colleagues at BBC Wales have expressed their deep sadness at Shahwan’s passing. Carolyn Hitt, Head of Radio Wales, described her as “a very special person,” noting her extraordinary impact both on and off the air since joining the team in 1999. “Lynda’s dedication was evident in everything she did, from her early days alongside Roy Noble on his morning show—where she was fondly dubbed ‘The Lily from Caerphilly’—to her more recent work producing the Plotcast. The loss is immeasurable; we are all devastated.”
The outpouring of remembrance has been not only professional but deeply personal. Roy Noble, a veteran presenter and one of Shahwan’s former co-hosts, conveyed his condolences to her husband Sharif, also a colleague at Radio Wales, and their sons: “It is a sudden, profound tragedy for their family and for everyone who worked with Lynda. Her contribution to Wale’s broadcasting community will be long remembered.”
Lynda Shahwan’s death has come as a particular shock due to the circumstances—a sudden tragedy during what should have been a relaxing family retreat abroad. The sense of loss has resonated throughout the BBC and among the wider community of listeners, many of whom found comfort and connection through her broadcasts.
Shahwan’s professional legacy is considerable. During her tenure at BBC Wales, she distinguished herself as an innovator, always seeking fresh ways to engage audiences. Her work on “Terry Walton’s Plotcast” brought allotment stories to life in a way that appealed not only to experienced gardeners but to anyone interested in Welsh community life. Friends say she had an uncanny ability to make complex stories accessible and relatable, always with an added dash of humour or insight.
As the BBC Wales family and broader community come to terms with her loss, many have taken to social media and local forums to share stories of how Lynda impacted their lives. Her colleagues have promised to honour her memory by continuing the creative and inclusive spirit she championed throughout her career.
While the circumstances of the accident remain under investigation by Canadian authorities, Shahwan’s friends and colleagues have made it clear that she will be deeply missed, both professionally and personally. Plans for commemorative events or on-air tributes have not yet been detailed, but many expect the broadcaster’s influence to echo for years to come.
The tragic loss of Lynda Shahwan is a stark reminder of the impact one individual can have through dedication, empathy, and a passion for storytelling. Her family, friends, and many listeners are united in grief, and her legacy continues in the voices and stories she nurtured across Welsh airwaves.