An inquest into the deaths of three sisters found in the sea off Brighton beach has heard that the cause remains unclear, with police stating they do not suspect foul play at this stage. The bodies of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from Uxbridge, west London, were recovered from the water earlier this month.
Inquest Details
The inquest, opened in Brighton on Friday, heard that postmortem examinations had given a provisional cause of death as "yet to be ascertained." Senior coroner Penelope Schofield expressed condolences to the sisters' father, Joseph Jacobson, who attended the hearing online, acknowledging that the loss must be unbearable.
Sussex Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest criminality or third-party involvement. Specialist detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. The coroner adjourned the inquest until 8 October, expressing hope that the hearing would curb social media speculation about the case.
Family Statement
In a statement released through Sussex Police, Jacobson said: "Jane, Christina and Becky were more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love. Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort and your presence made life more meaningful. Though your time on Earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever."
A GoFundMe campaign for the women's funerals has raised nearly £44,000 from over 2,000 donations.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called at around 5:45 am on 13 May after concerns were raised for a person's welfare. Three bodies were subsequently pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. Statements read at the inquest detailed that Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared deceased by a paramedic. Christina Walters was recovered by an RNLI lifeboat, and Rebecca Walters was washed onto the beach; both were also declared dead by paramedics.
Medical investigations are ongoing to finalize the cause of death for all three women, but police are satisfied there was no third-party involvement. The sisters lived at the same address in Greenford, and their occupations are unknown.
CCTV footage has been reviewed, and inquiries have been made to businesses and properties near the beach to track the women's last movements. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays stated the force "will leave no stone unturned" in understanding what led to the tragic events of that morning.
