The family of London-based couple Thomasina and Patrick Tobin have spoken publicly after they were found dead beside a hot tub at a holiday villa in Spain.
The couple were discovered by their teenage children at the rented property in Cullera, a coastal town south of Valencia, on 25 August. Thomasina, 51, was originally from Castleblayney in County Monaghan, while Patrick, 48, was born in Wellington, New Zealand. ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/08/29/deaths-of-irish-woman-and-husband-in-hot-tub-in-spain-may-have-been-accidental/?utm_source=openai))
An online death notice described their deaths as a “sudden and tragic passing” and said the couple would be “deeply missed” by their children, relatives and many friends.
It said: “Thomasina and Paddy shared a life filled with love, family and friendship. Their sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved them.” ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/03/irish-woman-and-husband-who-died-in-spain-deeply-missed/?utm_source=openai))
Investigation into Spanish hot tub deaths continues
The Guardia Civil’s investigation remains open, although preliminary post-mortem findings are understood to have ruled out homicide. Investigators are examining whether a fault in the hot tub’s suction system may have triggered a sequence of events leading to both deaths.
One theory is that Patrick became trapped by the powerful suction from an outlet and that Thomasina died while trying to help him. Spanish investigators have taken samples from the water and inspected the drainage and circulation equipment as they work to establish exactly what happened. ([elespanol.com](https://www.elespanol.com/va/valencia/successos/20260831/lautopsia-del-matrimoni-mort-cullera-apunta-que-patiren-un-atrapament-per-succio-al-jacuzzi/1003744367775_0.amp.html?utm_source=openai))
Forensic findings reported by Spanish media have pointed towards acute cardiopulmonary collapse brought on by panic and extreme exertion. Toxicology tests are still expected to provide further evidence, and the precise causes of death have not been formally released. ([elespanol.com](https://www.elespanol.com/va/valencia/successos/20260831/lautopsia-del-matrimoni-mort-cullera-apunta-que-patiren-un-atrapament-per-succio-al-jacuzzi/1003744367775_0.amp.html?utm_source=openai))
Their children raised the alarm after finding their parents at the property. Relatives travelled from Ireland to support them following the tragedy. ([es.euronews.com](https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/08/28/la-mujer-que-murio-en-el-jacuzzi-de-cullera-era-una-alta-directiva-en-londres?utm_source=openai))
Thomasina had lived and worked in London for around two decades and was a senior figure in the construction and project-management sector. She had studied at Trinity College Dublin and worked as a chartered quantity surveyor.
The family notice said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. It also appealed for donations to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which supports families bringing the remains of loved ones home from abroad. ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/09/03/irish-woman-and-husband-who-died-in-spain-deeply-missed/?utm_source=openai))
