An inquest has been opened into the death of a British woman who became trapped in a wildfire while on holiday in a Spanish villa last month.
Lisa Fryett, of Canvey Island in Essex, was staying near Bedar, in the province of Almería, with her partner, Simon Batchelor, when a fire swept through the area.
Inquest details
Essex area coroner Michelle Brown said the 47-year-old "was on holiday in Spain when she became trapped by a wildfire at the villa she was staying at". She added that "after five or six hours this lady and her partner were rescued by emergency services".
The mother-of-three died in a hospital in Seville on July 28, with her death confirmed at 11.45am local time, Thursday's (27 August) inquest in Chelmsford was told. Her provisional medical cause of death was recorded as "extensive burns related changes".
Fundraising campaign
A post made on 31 July on an online fundraising campaign to support the family said that her partner Simon remained in hospital in Spain. More than £67,000 has been donated on the GoFundMe page.
The statement reads: "It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beautiful Lisa passed away on the 28th of July 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Spain."
"Our hearts are completely broken, and there are simply no words to describe the pain we are feeling. Lisa fought so incredibly hard, and we are so grateful that her loved ones were able to be by her side, surrounding her with love until the very end."
"We would like to thank every single person who has donated, shared our fundraiser, or kept our family in your thoughts and prayers. The love, kindness and generosity we have received have brought us comfort during the most devastating time of our lives."
Tribute and next steps
The tribute continued: "Thanks to your incredible support, our family has been able to remain together in Spain, allowing us to be by Lisa's side when she needed us most. That is something we will be forever grateful for."
"The funds raised will also help us give Lisa the beautiful send off she truly deserves. While insurance covers some costs, there are many expenses that it simply does not, and your generosity will help ease that financial burden so that we can focus on honouring Lisa's life and being together as a family."
"Please continue to keep Simon in your thoughts and prayers as he remains in critical condition," a spokesperson for the family added. "Our family is holding onto hope and taking each day as it comes, and your continued love, support and prayers mean the world to us."
Mrs Fryett's inquest was adjourned until a date to be fixed.
