# Murdered pregnant woman dies from smoke inhalation in van fire

> Inquest reveals 35-year-old pregnant woman died of smoke and gas inhalation after van was set alight.
- Title: Murdered pregnant woman dies from smoke inhalation in van fire
- Summary: Inquest reveals 35-year-old pregnant woman died of smoke and gas inhalation after van was set alight. Samantha Phythian, 35, died from smoke and gas…
- Keywords: samantha phythian, pregnant woman, van fire, north wales, inquest, smoke inhalation, murder, news, entertainment, Murdered, pregnant, woman
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16203483/Murdered-pregnant-woman-body-burning-van.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-12T22:49:58+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: samantha phythian, pregnant woman, van fire, north wales, inquest, smoke inhalation, murder, news, entertainment
## Samantha Phythian, 35, found dead in burning van
Samantha Phythian, 35, known as Sammi, was discovered inside a burning van in Prestatyn, North Wales.
## Body identified five days after fire
Her body was discovered following a fire on Gas Works Lane on October 4, but she was not formally identified until five days later.
## Inquest reveals cause of death
An inquest heard Samantha Phythian died of smoke and gas inhalation, with a post-mortem examination confirming the cause.
## Victim was pregnant at time of death
North Wales Police confirmed Samantha Phythian was pregnant when she died in the van fire.
## Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell charged with murder
Thomas Matthew Hammond Bell, 38, from Rhyl, has been charged with her murder and appeared in court via video link.
## Bell denies responsibility for death
Bell's barrister Simon Killeen indicated he denied responsibility for Samantha Phythian's death.
## Second man arrested in connection
A second man, aged 47, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs.
## Family appeals for end to speculation
Samantha's family has appealed for an end to online speculation and warned it adds to their distress.
## Local councillor calls incident unprecedented
Councillor Gerry Frobisher described the incident as unprecedented in Prestatyn, a safe seaside community.
## Victim's family describes her impact
Samantha's family described her as 'a much loved Mum, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend' with memories that will never be forgotten.
## Police investigation ongoing
North Wales Police confirmed the ongoing police investigation into Samantha Phythian's death.
## Provisional trial date set for April 2027
Bell is scheduled for a provisional three-week trial in April next year, with a plea and trial preparation hearing in January.
## Victim pronounced dead by paramedic
Samantha Phythian was pronounced dead by a paramedic at 11:30pm on the night of the blaze.
## Home Office pathologist confirms cause
Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers determined Samantha Phythian died from 'inhalation of smoke and fire gases'.
## No fixed address at time of death
Samantha Phythian had been of no fixed address at the time of her death.
## Inquest adjourned pending police investigation
The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
## Key takeaway

Samantha Phythian, 35, died from smoke and gas inhalation after being set alight in a burning van in Prestatyn, North Wales.