A British woman who was severely injured after being rescued from a deadly wildfire in Spain has died, while her partner remains in a critical condition in hospital. Lisa Fryett, from Canvey, Essex, passed away on 28 July surrounded by her family in Spain, days after she and her partner Simon Batchelor were caught in a blaze near the municipalities of Bédar and Los Gallardos in the southern region of Andalusia.
Rescue from the mountainside
The couple were staying in the area when the wildfire swept through, forcing them to flee. They were discovered and rescued from a mountainside the day after the fire started. Despite suffering devastating injuries, the couple pleaded with rescuers to save them, according to a fundraising appeal launched by their family, because they wanted to see their children again.
Simon Batchelor remains critically ill in hospital. The exact nature of his injuries has not been disclosed, but the family has described the incident as a 'devastating tragedy'.
Tribute from son
Lisa's son, Alfie Batchelor, paid an emotional tribute to his mother, describing her as the 'best person ever' and saying she had been his 'world'. In a heartfelt statement, he wrote: 'Words genuinely can’t describe how upset I am right now writing this. It still doesn’t feel real, but we said goodbye to my beautiful mum. You were the best person ever. You were my world. I’m so grateful to be able to call you my mum, and I will forever love you. I will cherish every memory I have with you, and I will never forget you. I miss you so much and always will. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. My life has completely changed, and I will forever make you proud.'
The family’s fundraiser added: 'It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beautiful Lisa passed away on July 28, 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.'
Fundraising appeal
The fundraising appeal, which has raised more than £65,000, was originally set up to cover emergency travel, accommodation, transport and other unexpected expenses for the family. Following Lisa's death, the funds will now also help the family give her what they described as the 'beautiful send-off she truly deserves'.
The wildfire that trapped the couple is part of a series of devastating blazes that have affected southern Spain this summer, exacerbated by extreme heat and dry conditions. Local authorities have been battling multiple fires across the region, forcing evacuations and causing widespread damage.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing support to the family of the couple. A spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Spain, and are in contact with local authorities.'
The incident highlights the dangers posed by wildfires, which have become increasingly frequent in Mediterranean regions due to climate change. Firefighters and emergency services have been working around the clock to contain the blazes, but the unpredictable nature of the fires makes rescue operations extremely challenging.
The community in Canvey, Essex, where Lisa and Simon lived, has rallied around the family, with many expressing their shock and sorrow on social media. A local resident said: 'It's absolutely heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the family at this terrible time.'
The fundraiser continues to receive donations, with well-wishers from around the world contributing to help the family during this difficult period. The appeal page describes Lisa as a 'beautiful soul' who was 'loved by everyone who knew her'.
As the family mourns their loss, they have asked for privacy to grieve. They have also expressed their gratitude to the emergency services and the local community in Spain who assisted in the rescue and provided support during the ordeal.
