Thomasina TobinPatrick TobinCedartown Police DepartmentPolk County PoliceElsberry Riding and Farm

London-based mum died alongside her husband in Spanish hot tub tragedy; police in Georgia fatally shot a donkey named HeeHaw during a search for a missing child

A London couple, Thomasina and Patrick Tobin, died in a Spanish hot tub accident, possibly trapped by its suction system. Meanwhile, in Georgia, police fatally shot a donkey named HeeHaw during a search for a missing child, sparking outrage among the animal's owners.

London Evening Standard London Evening Standard+1 source31 August 2026 · 23:35 UTC
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Thomasina Tobin, 51, and Patrick Tobin, 48, were discovered dead in a hot tub at their Spanish villa after their children found them more than 12 hours later.

Spanish police suspect Mr. Tobin may have been trapped underwater by the jacuzzi's powerful suction system, leading to a tragic accident.

Preliminary inquiries indicate their deaths were caused by acute stress and physical exhaustion, as reported by Las Provincias. Initially investigated for foul play due to scratches on their bodies, homicide detectives quickly ruled this out.

A third examination of the jacuzzi is underway, with experts analyzing the suction fittings to determine if they contributed to the couple's deaths.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, police shot a donkey named HeeHaw during a search for a missing child. The incident occurred in Polk County, where officers claimed the donkey approached them aggressively.

The donkey's owners expressed outrage, stating, “HeeHaw was raised in the house and did petting zoos; he never knew a stranger.” The child was later found safe at a nearby church, but the incident has raised questions about police protocols during such searches.

A GoFundMe campaign for HeeHaw's owners has raised over $74,000 for legal fees and animal care.

Key Insight
“The donkey was shot on its owner's pasture just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, in Polk County, after officers tried to tase it. The owner's post claimed the animal was raised in the house and never knew a stranger, and a GoFundMe has raised over $74,000 for legal fees.”
CuriousCats studied:
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London Evening StandardLondon Evening Standard
“A married couple found dead in a jacuzzi at a Spanish holiday villa may have become trapped underwater, investigators believe.”
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“Police in Georgia fatally shot a donkey while searching for a missing child.”
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