Tim Darke's birth mother

[Superman: Idols]

I read that the character died before Tim became Robin. Does anybody know how this happened?

 

[Fledermaus]

From Wikipedia:
Yet before Tim could take on the role of Robin, his parents Jack and Janet Drake were captured by a villain calling himself the Obeah Man. Batman immediately flew to their rescue, but he failed to save them before both Jack and Janet were poisoned. Janet died, and Jack was left in a coma for several months. Batman became even more reluctant to entrust Tim with the Robin mantle following this loss, afraid that the boy was too blinded by rage and a desire for vengeance. Tim managed to prove himself however, when Batman and Vicki Vale were kidnapped by the Scarecrow. After that, Batman finally allowed Tim Drake to become the newest Boy Wonder (this time wearing a more practical uniform, including trousers and no 'pixie' boots).