“Out of respect to the family’s privacy, we are not in a position to comment or share any details at this point of time.”
Thomasina Tobin was understood to be a quantity surveyor originally from Castleblayney in Co Monaghan, Ireland.
Patrick Tobin, 48, and his wife, Thomasina Tobin, 51, were found dead after an incident involving an outdoor spa pool.
The couple lived in London and were holidaying in Spain with their two teenage children when the tragedy occurred.
The Daily Mail reported the family were holidaying at Villa Luna, an exclusive three-bedroom property within a gated complex in Cullera. The accommodation is understood to cost about $4600 a week to rent.
Spanish newspaper Las Provincias reported preliminary autopsy findings indicate both died after suffering cardiac arrests during an apparent accident involving the spa pool.
Local media reported the family had enjoyed a barbecue before Patrick and Thomasina Tobin went to use the spa about 3pm.
A spa bath inside Villa Luna, the complex where the couple were staying. Photo / Villa Luna
About four hours later, the couple’s 14-year-old son reportedly went looking for his parents and found them lying near the spa pool exit. Believing they were asleep, he returned upstairs.
The couple’s children, aged 14 and 16 and both with special needs, later discovered their parents had died and went to the building owners for help.
Investigators initially considered the possibility of foul play after scratches and other marks were found on the couple’s bodies. However, a double homicide has since been ruled out, with authorities focusing on whether a fault in the spa’s drainage and suction system trapped them.
According to El Pais and Las Provincias, investigators believe the hydro-massage system may have created a powerful vacuum that prevented the couple from freeing themselves.
The exterior of Villa Luna, where the couple were staying. Photo / Villa Luna
Injuries identified during the autopsies were deemed consistent with the couple struggling against the suction force and attempting to help one another rather than signs of an assault.
According to local outlets, investigators believe Patrick Tobin became trapped first after being caught by a suction intake. Thomasina Tobin is believed to have tried to free her husband before both died during the ordeal, the Telegraph reported.
The investigation has now turned to the spa’s mechanical condition and safety features.
Although investigators believe accidental entrapment is the most likely explanation, authorities have not yet confirmed an official cause of death.
Water samples have been sent for laboratory analysis as part of the continuing investigation.
The Herald has approached HCLTech for comment.