Lisa Fryett and her partner Simon Batchelor were critically injured after becoming caught in a devastating wildfire near Bédar and Los Gallardos in southern Spain
A British woman gravely wounded after being saved from a fatal Spanish wildfire has passed away – while her partner remains in a critical state.
Lisa Fryett died on July 28 surrounded by her devoted family in Spain. She and partner Simon Batchelor had been critically hurt after becoming trapped in a devastating inferno near Bédar and Los Gallardos in southern Spain.
The pair, from Canvey, Essex, were pulled from a mountainside the day after the blaze began, as reported by NeedToKnow. Lisa’s devastated son Alfie Batchelor paid tribute to his mum, calling her the “best person ever” and saying she had been his world.
He wrote: “Words genuinely can’t describe how upset I am right now writing this. It still doesn’t feel real, but yesterday, 28/07/2026, 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. Rest in peace, Mum. I love you so much and I miss you forever.”
Lisa’s death was also confirmed in an update shared through the family’s fundraising appeal. The statement 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 family expressed gratitude to those who donated, shared the appeal or kept them in their thoughts and prayers. They said the support enabled Lisa’s loved ones to stay together in Spain and remain beside her during her final moments.
Money raised will now also assist the family in giving Lisa what they described as the “beautiful send-off she truly deserves”. The statement added: “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.”
The appeal has collected more than £65,000 to help cover emergency travel, accommodation, transport and other unforeseen expenses.
Simon remains critically ill in hospital. The family added: “Please continue to keep Simon in your thoughts and prayers as he remains in critical condition. 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.”
Simon and Lisa were residing near Bédar and Los Gallardos when the wildfire engulfed the area. They were found and rescued from the mountainside the next day.
According to the fundraising appeal, despite enduring horrific injuries, the couple implored rescuers to save them because they longed to see their children again.
Their three children subsequently journeyed to Spain to be at their parents’ bedside, with Lisa’s twin sister also keeping her company.
They singled out the Guardia Civil officers for special praise, whose “courage and determination against all odds” facilitated a reunion between Simon and Lisa and their children.
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