Inquest hears pregnant mother died from smoke inhalation in van fire
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An inquest heard that Samantha Phythian, a 35-year-old pregnant mother of four, died after inhaling smoke and fire gases in a van blaze in Prestatyn. Prosecutors allege she was alive when the van was set alight; the inquest was adjourned while police continue their investigation.
Phythian, known as Sammi, was pronounced dead at 11.30pm on 4 October and identified through DNA testing five days later. Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, has been charged with murder and denies setting the vehicle alight; he remains in custody ahead of a January hearing, with a provisional trial scheduled for April. A second man, aged 47, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and drug offences.
- Inquest findings say Phythian died from smoke and fire gas inhalation.
- Prosecutors allege she was alive when the van was set alight.
- A murder charge has been filed; the police investigation continues.
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Samantha Phythian was a 35-year-old pregnant mother of four who died in a van fire in Prestatyn on 4 October 2026. She was pronounced dead that evening and identified through DNA testing five days later. Her death in these circumstances led to a criminal investigation.
Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, has been charged with murder in connection with the fire and denies that he set the vehicle alight. A second man, aged 47, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and drug offences. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Bell remains in custody pending a hearing scheduled for January 2027, with a trial provisionally set for April 2027. An inquest into Phythian's death has been opened but adjourned whilst the criminal investigation continues. The legal proceedings will determine whether the charges against Bell are substantiated and clarify the full circumstances of her death.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Murdered’ pregnant woman, 35, whose body was found in a burning van died of smoke and gas inhalation, inquest hears”.