The best friend of a pregnant woman allegedly murdered in a van fire has spoken of her heartbreak – as she vowed to help her family give her a dignified send-off.
Samantha Natalie Phythian, 35, was found dead inside the vehicle in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, on October 4.
A court heard the mum-to-be was alive when the fire started.
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Thomas Bell, 38, of Wellington Road, Rhyl, appeared at Mold Crown Court charged with her murder and was remanded in custody.
The court was told Samantha, who was from Rhyl, was known to Bell.
He denies setting the vehicle alight, as reported by Need To Know
Now, life-long pal Maryjane Haggerty, who had been friends with Samantha for over 25 years, has paid an emotional tribute to her ‘loudest’ mate.
Maryjane said she wanted to do everything she could to support Samantha’s grieving family.
She said: “I would just like to help the family the best I can.
“Sammi was my friend for over 25 years.
“She died in the most horrific way possible and deserves to be sent off in the best way.”
Recalling their wild childhood adventures and years of friendship, Maryjane said she would never forget the memories they made together.
She remembered Samantha doing cartwheels, singing to Celine Dion and Mariah Carey on karaoke – and getting through vodka Red Bulls.
The pair also spent much of their childhood watching films including Pearl Harbor, Kidulthood and Save the Last Dance at Samantha’s house.
Maryjane said they later got “leathered on the fair causing mayhem” – adding that the memories would stay with her forever.
She also recalled the day Samantha gave birth to her son Noah.
Maryjane said: “I’ll never forget you ringing me to come up to the hospital because you just had Noah and you thought you had stomach ache, yet was in full blown labour and you didn’t even know.
“Still to this day Sam no one has ever shocked me more than you did that day walking in and seeing you with this tiny little blond haired blue eyed baby.”
Paying tribute to her friend’s larger-than-life personality, she said she would give anything to hear Samantha’s voice again.
She said: “You had the loudest voice in the world but I’d love to hear you shout ‘MJ that’s my best mate that’ even in work at least one more time.”
Maryjane said the only comfort she could take was knowing Samantha was reunited with her dad, Barry, who she said her friend had never got over losing.
She added: “Thanks for being my friend and the good times.
“Thanks for all the crazy memories over the last 25 years.
“Sleep in eternal peace.”
In a further tribute, Maryjane recalled meeting Samantha outside the Sandy Bay when they were about eight years old.
She said: “I used to joke saying I’ve never been able to get rid of you since but I’d love nothing more than to see your head pop up right now.”
The last time she saw her friend was around three weeks ago, when she made her jam on toast and a hot chocolate at work.
They chatted about their childhood memories and their dads.
Maryjane said: “If only I knew that would be the last time.
“You will get justice Sam I promise.
“I’m not a crier Sam you know that but you’ve had me going this week.
“Love you Sambam.”
A fundraiser has since been launched to help Samantha’s family cover the cost of her funeral.
The appeal described her as an “outgoing, lively, and full-of-life personality” who brought a special light into the lives of those around her.
It said: “It is impossible to put into words the pain of losing someone so precious in such devastating circumstances.
“Sammi’s family are now facing the unimaginable heartbreak of having to say goodbye to someone they love dearly, at a time when no family should ever have to experience such pain.”
The fundraiser said the money would go towards funeral expenses and helping the family give Samantha the send-off she deserved.
It added: “Sammi’s life mattered.
“She was loved, she will be missed beyond words, and she deserves to be remembered with love, dignity, and respect.
“Fly high, Sammi, forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.”
At the time of writing it had raised £2,834 of a £5,000 target.
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