A family notice has been released for a London couple found dead in a hot tub during a Spanish vacation, as investigators probe whether suction entrapment played a role in the tragedy.
Thomaisa, 51, and Patrick Tobin, 48, were discovered by their teenage children in the luxury Cap Blanc area, roughly 25 miles south of Valencia, on Monday, August 24. The couple, who lived in London, had been enjoying a family holiday when the incident occurred.
Postmortems conducted last week found both Thomaisa and Patrick suffered fatal heart stoppages. Spanish police have reportedly ruled out drowning as the direct cause of death, according to regional newspaper Levante-EMV.
Investigators now suspect the hot tub’s water circulation suction system may have contributed to the deaths. Preliminary findings from the Valencia Institute of Legal Medicine point to an accident involving suction entrapment, a phenomenon where the powerful suction force of a spa drain traps a person’s body, limb, hair or clothing, holding them underwater.
Homicide detectives were initially brought in to examine whether foul play was involved, but authorities quickly ruled that out. The case remains under active investigation, and officials have not yet determined the exact sequence of events.
The family released an emotional online notice honoring the couple. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Thomasina Tobin (née McArdle), formerly of Cabra, Castleblayney, and her beloved husband Patrick (Paddy) Tobin, originally from Wellington, New Zealand, who passed away suddenly while on holiday in Spain on Monday, 24th August 2026,” the statement began.
“Much loved parents of Rhea and Séamus, Thomasina and Paddy will be deeply missed by their children, their families, relatives and many friends.”
The notice described the couple as sharing “a life filled with love, family and friendship,” It added that their sudden passing “has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved them.”
The family requested privacy while acknowledging they “sincerely appreciate the kindness and support being shown to them.” The notice also indicated that funeral and wake arrangements would be announced in due course, with an opportunity for the public to offer condolences.
Valencia newspaper Las Provincias reported Sunday that preliminary analyses indicated “the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment.” This detail offers a harrowing glimpse into the final moments of the couple, who appeared to have experienced extreme distress before losing consciousness.
The Tobins’ deaths have drawn attention to the potential dangers of hot tub suction systems, which can create lethal conditions even in luxury resort settings. Pool safety experts have long warned about entrapment risks, though such fatalities involving two adults simultaneously remain rare.
The couple’s teenage children, Rhea and Séamus, discovered their parents’ bodies, adding an unthinkable layer of trauma to an already devastating loss. The family has not publicly addressed the circumstances of that discovery.
Funeral arrangements for the couple will be announced at a later date, with the family planning a public wake to allow friends and extended family to pay their respects.