Tragic woman, 32, dies in her sleep at hotel as tributes paid to 'beautiful daughter'

A 32 year old woman has tragically passed away in her sleep during a hotel stay. Lydia Williams, originally from Wales, was remembered by her mother as someone who will "never lose her sparkle" as heartfelt tributes flooded in.

Friends and family fondly recalled her mischievous wit, bold personality, and remarkable ability to uplift spirits during the darkest of times. Lydia had spent seven yearsliving in the United States with her husband, Ed, and their two beloved sphynx cats, El Blanco and Zorro, whom she adored. Devastated friends said: "She was the best friend anyone could have."

Despite being thousands of miles away from her homeland, Lydia remained deeply proud of her Welsh roots. "She used to play Yma o Hyd by Dafydd Iwan on repeat," Ed reminisced.

"It made her feel passionate about Wales."

'She gave everything'

Lydia had a successful career in marketing, promotions, and wedding coordination, collaborating with companies such as Pulse, Mocka Lounge, and Elizabeth Arden, as well as numerous wedding venues.

Most recently, she was based in New Hampshire, balancing promotional responsibilities while mentoring disadvantaged young people through a "buddying" programme.

"She gave 100% to everything she did," her mum said. "I always reminded my beautiful daughter, whatever you do - never lose your sparkle. Sometimes that meant picking herself up and dusting herself off (like we all have to do from time to time), but Lydia carried on, empowering girls to support one another and to uplift each other. She wanted everyone to sparkle too."

She loved travelling the world with her husband, sharing his passion for African art, sampling regional cuisine, and seizing every opportunity life presented. Tributes have poured in from all corners of the globe for Lydia, from friends, colleagues, and even chance acquaintances.

"I've been inundated with messages," her mum shared. "People have written to tell me that they met Lydia by chance - on a train, or in a queue - and she became part of their lives from that moment onwards. She gave people strength and solace in their darkest times, even if she'd never met them face-to-face."

Urban Hotel death

Those who knew Lydia described her as naturally funny, with an "off-the-wall" sense of humour, a deep empathy for others, and a radiant personality that could light up any room.

"She saw life as a wonderful adventure. She was creative as a child, and as an adult she continued her love for learning about new cultures, food, and wine - travelling with Ed and friends. The outpouring of love for her has filled us with pride."

Lydia passed away peacefully in her sleep at Madrid's Urban Hotel, with staff pledging to display a portrait of her at the venue as a permanent tribute.

Her mother disclosed that Lydia had been: "Happy and excited to come home for a Welsh Christmas."

'Follow your dreams'

Ed stated: "Marrying Lydia was, and will always be, the greatest decision of my lifetime. Although the years we had together ended far too soon, we filled those years travelling the world with enough memories to last a lifetime. She was the most incredible person I ever knew, and I will always love her with all of my heart."

Her mother added: "If we can learn anything from Lydia, it's to follow your dreams, live life fully, hold on to loved ones, and be kind to others. She believed in treating everyone equally and building people up. We need more Lydias in this world. Life is short - live, love, laugh, and be happy."

The family has expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who has demonstrated compassion during this difficult time, including the Urban Hotel in Madrid, easyJet crew on the return journey, Cardiff County Club, and Mocka Lounge for their help in organising Lydia's celebration of life.

Lydia's funeral service is scheduled to occur at St Martin's Church, Caerphilly, on Thursday, November 13, with guests asked to dress smartly as the occasion will celebrate her life, featuring songs she loved.