A couple who died while on holiday in Spain may have been trapped in their villa jacuzzi due to suction, police investigations suggest. Thomasina and Patrick Tobin both suffered fatal heart attacks while staying in Cullera, near Valencia.
Couple found in outdoor jacuzzi
Their two teenage children found their bodies in the outdoor jacuzzi on Tuesday, August 25. The Tobins, who lived in London, died while on a two-week holiday in the luxury Cap Blanc area.
It is unclear exactly how the couple died, but the cardiac arrests are thought to have been brought on by physical exhaustion from attempting to escape the water.
Suction force theory
Valencia newspaper Las Provincias reported: “Preliminary analyses indicate that the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment.”
Hot tub industry experts joined the Guardia Civil team to examine the scene, looking into the suction fittings and their power. Las Provincias explained: “According to the first investigations, the excessive suction force would have imprisoned the couple inside the bathtub, which triggered a situation of extreme anguish and desperate physical effort to free themselves from the hydraulic grip.”
Scratches and other theories
Police have suggested the scratch marks on the couple were due to them attempting to free each other. Homicide detectives were initially called in due to the marks and scratches, but foul play has been ruled out.
Another theory is that one parent may have suffered a heart attack after being electrocuted, due to a potential fault in the tub, with the other dying trying to save them.
Children supported by relatives
The children, reportedly 14 and 16, both with additional support needs, alerted neighbours to call police after discovering their parents in the tub. Relatives are said to have flown out to Spain to support them.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was working on the case. A spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror: “The Department is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance in the case of the Irish citizen concerned. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”
Thomasina was from Castleblayney, daughter of Irish playwright and actor Tommy McArdle, but had lived in London for 20 years as a chartered surveyor on projects such as the Ritz and the Shard. Patrick was initially reported to be Irish too but is actually from New Zealand.
