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A new theory has emerged about how a couple died in a hot tub while vacationing in Spain.
On August 25, Thomasina Tobin, 51, and her husband, Patrick Tobin, 48, were discovered unresponsive in an outdoor hot tub at a rental property in Cullera, Spain.
The pair's bodies were reportedly found by their teenage children the following day.
The siblings, aged 14 and 16 and reportedly both with additional support needs, alerted neighbors, who then contacted police.
Relatives are said to have traveled to Spain to support the children following the tragedy.
Thomasina was originally from Castleblayney and was the daughter of Irish playwright and actor Tommy McArdle.
She had lived in London for 20 years and worked as a chartered surveyor, contributing to projects including the Ritz and the Shard.
A statement from Turner & Townsend Alinea said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Thomasina Tobin and her husband. Thomasina was a valued member of our team, and our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time. We are liaising with her family to provide support."
Patrick, who was from New Zealand, worked as an associate general manager at HCLTech.
A representative for the company told the outlet: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Tobin and his wife. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. 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," per Irish Mirror.
The precise circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths are still under investigation, but one theory is that they became trapped in the hot tub and suffered cardiac arrests after exhausting themselves trying to escape.
"Preliminary analyses indicate that the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment," local newspaper Las Provincias reported.
Spain's Guardia Civil is also looking into whether a hot tub malfunction caused the incident, with industry experts reportedly brought in to examine the equipment.
Investigators have analyzed the tub's hydro massage system, including the suction fittings and power.
Las Provincias reported: "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.
"The autopsy findings almost definitively reinforce the theory of accidental entrapment. Preliminary analyses indicate that the victims suffered cardiac arrest brought on by acute stress following physical exhaustion and the desperation of the moment," they added.
Homicide detectives were initially involved after marks and scratches were discovered on the couple, but foul play has since been ruled out.
Police have reportedly suggested the injuries could instead have been sustained as the couple tried to free themselves or one another.
However, investigators have also reportedly considered a separate explanation involving a possible electrical fault.
Under that theory, one of the couple may have suffered a heart attack after being electrocuted by a fault with the hot tub, before the other died while attempting to rescue them.
Neither theory has been confirmed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is providing assistance in connection with the case.
"The Department is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance in the case of the Irish citizen concerned," a spokesperson said.
"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases," they added.
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