School district responds to news of former students’ deaths

In an Aug. 31 email to families in the district, Hudson City School Superintendent Phil Herman confirmed reports that former students Graham and Natalie Tobin, along with their mother, Regina, and father, John, died over the weekend. The email contained links to resources for parents and families about talking to children about grief and loss, and dealing with the questions children may have about the death of someone close to them.  

Media reports about an apparent murder-suicide in Shaker Heights involving a former Hudson family began circulating early Monday morning. By afternoon, reports identified the Tobins as that family. John is the son of prominent Hudson philanthropist Phil Tobin. The family moved to Shaker Heights from Hudson last year.

According to Cleveland.com, Phil called Shaker Heights Police after getting an “alarming” email from John. He also said John suffered from depression.  “We encourage you, our school family and friends, to please keep the extended Tobin family in your thoughts and prayers,” Herman said in his email. “At this time, we are also being very respectful of the family’s privacy.”