Lorraine Williamson
An Irish couple have been found dead at a rented property in Cullera, on Spain’s Valencian coast, after their two teenage children discovered their bodies in a jacuzzi. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation into the deaths of the 50-year-old man and 45-year-old woman. The cause remains unknown, and investigators have not ruled out an accident.
The bodies were discovered at around 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 25 August, at a property in the Cap Blanc residential area of the coastal town.
According to EFE, the couple’s children, aged 14 and 15, raised the alarm after making the discovery. A neighbour subsequently contacted the 112 emergency service, bringing local police, emergency personnel and Guardia Civil officers to the property.
The Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police homicide team has taken responsibility for establishing what happened. Investigators have indicated that there were circumstances at the scene requiring further examination, but there is currently no confirmed evidence that the couple died as a result of violence.
All lines of inquiry therefore remain open. The initial assessment is that the deaths may not have been from natural causes, although investigators are considering possibilities including an accident.
Autopsies expected to help establish cause of death
The bodies have been transferred to Valencia’s Institute of Legal Medicine, where post-mortem examinations are expected to provide investigators with more information about how the couple died.
EFE reports that investigators are also examining indications that the couple may have consumed substances before their deaths. Apparent puncture-type marks were observed on their bodies, although their significance has not been established and investigators have not concluded that they resulted from an attack.
The possibility of an accidental death connected with the jacuzzi is among the hypotheses being considered. Forensic findings will be important in determining whether either the marks or any substances detected played a role.
The couple and their children had been staying in rented accommodation in Cullera, a popular Mediterranean resort south of Valencia.
Children receiving support after discovery
The two children are being supported following the discovery of their parents.
Spanish reports say Cullera’s social services have become involved while arrangements are made with relatives of the family in Ireland.
The investigation remains at an early stage. The Guardia Civil has not announced a definitive cause of death, and no hypothesis has yet been confirmed.
Further information is expected once the results of the post-mortem examinations and other forensic tests become available.