A County Monaghan woman has been found dead alongside her husband while on a family holiday in Spain.
Thomasina Tobin, née McArdle, from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was found dead with her husband, Patrick Tobin, at a holiday villa in Cullera, near Valencia, earlier this week. The couple’s bodies were discovered by their two teenage children, who raised the alarm.
Spanish authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, although early indications suggest the deaths may have been the result of a tragic accident rather than foul play.
Mrs Tobin, who had been living and working in London for around two decades, was a respected chartered quantity surveyor with a successful career in the construction and hotel development sector. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she worked on several high-profile projects during her career, including landmark hotel developments in the UK capital.
The Monaghan native came from a well-known family with strong ties to both the arts and Gaelic games. Her father, Tommy McArdle, is widely respected as a playwright, actor and producer, while members of the family have also represented Monaghan in inter-county football.
Investigators are examining whether a malfunction involving the villa’s hot tub may have contributed to the deaths. Spanish media reports suggest Mrs Tobin may have encountered difficulties in the jacuzzi before her husband attempted to help her. Toxicology tests and further forensic examinations are ongoing and are expected to provide greater clarity on the exact cause of death.
Read more
There were initially concerns that the deaths could have involved suspicious circumstances due to injuries found on the bodies. However, police have since indicated that foul play is not currently suspected and are focusing on accidental causes.
Relatives travelled to Spain following the tragedy to support the couple’s teenage children, who remain at the centre of the family’s grief.
Spanish authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing, with post-mortem and toxicology results expected to determine exactly what happened at the holiday property.