Thomasina Tobin, née McArdle, CULLERA, Valencia — Thomasina Tobin, a 51-year-old Irish businesswoman originally from County Monaghan, has died alongside her husband, Patrick Tobin, during a loved ones holiday in Spain.
The couple were discovered dead on Tuesday at a rented holiday home in the Cap Blanc residential estate in Cullera, near Valencia in eastern Spain. Their deaths are being investigated by Spanish authorities after the couple were discovered in a jacuzzi at the property.
Thomasina and Patrick, 48, were reportedly found by their two teenage children, who alerted the homeowner after discovering their parents at the villa at around 5 p.m. local time. The relatives had been staying at the property as part of their holiday.
Spanish police initially investigated the deaths as a possible homicide before determining that there were no apparent signs of violence or evidence of foul play. Local police employed by Cullera Town Hall attended the scene alongside the Civil Guard, which is leading the ongoing probe.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with possible explanations reportedly including an electrical event involving the hot tub or exposure to fumes. However, no cause of death has been officially verified, and investigators have not established what happened to the couple.
Thomasina was a member of the well-known McArdle loved ones from Castleblayney, County Monaghan. Her father, Tommy McArdle, is a respected playwright, actor and producer who spent many years directing RTÉ’s drama series Glenroe. He also worked extensively with his brother John McArdle, who is likewise a writer and actor; both brothers played football for Monaghan.
A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Thomasina built a career as a Chartered Surveyor and had lived and worked in London for approximately two decades. Her professional work included involvement with major UK projects such as the Ritz and The Shard in London.
Thomasina and Patrick’s deaths have left their two teenage children without their parents following the tragedy. Three relatives of Thomasina travelled from Monaghan to Valencia overnight and arrived in the early hours of Wednesday to support and care for the children as the inquiry continues. The couple will be remembered by those who knew them, while condolences remain with their children, relatives, friends and wider families during this difficult time.