British Woman Dies, Partner Critical After Spain Wildfire

A British woman badly injured in a massive wildfire in Spain has died, while her partner remains in a critical condition. Lisa Fryett passed away on 28 July, surrounded by her family in Spain, after more than two weeks in hospital. She and her partner, Simon Batchelor, were critically injured after being caught in a devastating blaze near Bedar and Los Gallardos in southern Spain. The couple, from Canvey, Essex, were rescued from a mountainside on 10 July, the day after the fire erupted. Ms Fryett’s son, Alfie Batchelor, paid tribute to his mother, describing her as the “best person ever”. He said that her death “still doesn’t feel real”. He wrote: “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. “Rest in peace, Mum. I love you so much and I miss you forever.” Ms Fryett’s death was also confirmed in an update shared through the family’s fundraising appeal. It said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heart-breaking 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.” The appeal has raised more than £65,000 to help cover the family’s emergency travel, accommodation, transport and other unexpected expenses. Mr Batchelor remains in a critical condition in hospital, the statement said. The family added: “Please continue to keep Simon in your thoughts and prayers. “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.” The couple had been staying near Bédar and Los Gallardos when the wildfire swept through the area. They were discovered and rescued from the mountainside the following day. According to the fundraising appeal, despite suffering devastating injuries, the couple pleaded with rescuers to save them because they wanted to see their children again. Their three children, and Ms Fryett’s twin sister, rushed to Spain to be at their bedsides. The family praised the Guardia Civil officers whose “courage and determination against all odds” helped reunite the couple with their children.