A New Zealand man who died alongside his Irish wife in a spa pool tragedy in Spain is understood to have been a senior executive with one of the world’s largest technology companies.
Patrick Tobin, 48, and his wife Thomasina Tobin, 51, were found dead at a holiday property in
Cullera, near Valencia, after an incident involving an outdoor spa pool on August 24.
Patrick Tobin reportedly held a senior position with global technology company HCLTech in London. The Irish Mirror reported he joined the company in 2013 and was promoted to associate general manager in 2021.
HCLTech, which employs more than 220,000 people across 60 countries, said it was “deeply saddened” by the couple’s deaths.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” a spokeswoman told the Irish Mirror.
“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.
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.
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.
