‘Much-loved mum’ whose body was found in burning van was pregnant, say police

A “much-loved” mum whose body was found in a burning van in North Wales was pregnant, police have said.

Samantha Natalie Phythian’s body was found after emergency services were called to reports of a van on fire on Gas Works Lane in Prestatyn at around 11:30pm on Sunday 4 October. Thomas Bell, 38, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday charged with her murder, and has been remanded into custody.

A postmortem examination has now revealed the 35-year-old was pregnant at the time of her death, North Wales police said in a statement.

“We can confirm that the person who sadly died in a van fire on Gas Works Lane, Prestatyn on the evening of Sunday 4th October was 35 year old Samantha Natalie Phythian from Rhyl, known as Sammi by her family,” the force said. “A postmortem examination has revealed that Sammi was pregnant at the time of her death.”

Police released a picture of Ms Phythian alongside a moving tribute from her family, who described her as a “much-loved mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend” who will be “deeply missed”.

“Samantha, who everyone knows as Sammi, will be remembered for the special place she held in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her,” they said.

“Her tragic and untimely death has left her family and friends devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who meant so much to so many. No family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.

“While her life has been cruelly cut short, the memories she created, the love she gave and the lives she touched will never be forgotten. She will forever be cherished by those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed.”

They also urged people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death, asking people to be “mindful and respectful of rumours circulating over social media platforms”.

North Wales Police said Ms Phythian’s family are being supported by specialist officers, and echoed the family’s call for people to avoid speculation.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Zoie Dunkerley said: “My thoughts are with Sammi’s family and friends. I would also urge the community to be careful of commenting anything which would add to the family’s distress or interfere with the ongoing active legal proceedings.”