A London-based couple died in a Spanish villa after a suspected malfunction in the property’s luxury hot tub, investigators believe.
Thomasina Tobin, a 51-year-old quantity surveyor and mother of two, and her husband Patrick, 48, were found dead at the rented property in Cullera, near Valencia, on 25 August.
Their two teenage children discovered the bodies and raised the alarm. Relatives travelled from Ireland to support them following the tragedy.
Spanish investigators are examining whether Patrick became trapped underwater by the hot tub’s suction system before Thomasina tried to rescue him. Suction marks were reportedly more pronounced on Patrick’s body, while marks found on his wife may have been sustained during the attempt to help him.
Preliminary reports cited by local media suggest the couple may have suffered acute cardiorespiratory failure after the extreme physical effort involved in trying to escape the spa.
The theory has not been formally confirmed. Investigators have tested the water, examined the hot tub’s suction system and are awaiting further toxicology and forensic results.
There was initially a homicide investigation, but Spanish authorities have found no sign of forced entry and foul play is not currently believed to be involved.
Ms Tobin, who was originally from Castleblayney in County Monaghan, had worked in London as a chartered quantity surveyor for about 20 years. She was a senior executive in the construction and project-management sector and specialised in hotel and hospitality developments.
A spokesman for her employer, Turner & Townsend Alinea, said the company was “deeply saddened” by the deaths and that she had been a valued member of its team.
The couple’s repatriation and funeral arrangements have been delayed while the investigation into the hot tub deaths continues.
