Inquest into Tragic Deaths of Three Sisters
New details have emerged at an inquest into the deaths of three sisters whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach earlier this month. The ‘inseparable’ siblings – Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from west London – died on the south coast on May 13. Emergency services were called at around 5:45 a.m. following concerns for a person’s welfare, and three bodies were subsequently pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
Senior coroner Penelope Schofield opened the inquest at Woodvale in Brighton on Friday. She told the women’s father, Joseph Jacobson, who attended online, that the loss of his daughters must be ‘unbearable.’ Post-mortem examinations have offered a provisional cause of death as ‘yet to be ascertained.’ The inquest heard that medical investigations are ongoing to finalise the cause of death for all three women.
Statements read to the inquest detailed the recovery of the bodies: Jane was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared deceased by a paramedic at the scene. Christina was recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat, and Rebecca was washed onto the shore of Brighton beach. Both were also declared dead by paramedics.
The coroner expressed hope that the details from the hearing would ‘stop social media speculation’ around the circumstances of their deaths. She adjourned the inquest to be heard on October 8. At this stage, police are satisfied there was no third-party involvement.
The sisters lived at the same address in Greenford, west London, and their occupations are unknown. Their mother, Janice Adetoro, also drowned after disappearing in a similar tragedy in 2010.
Following their deaths, Mr. Jacobson released a statement through Sussex Police: ‘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 page set up by the family for funeral costs and support has raised nearly £44,000. Sussex Police have said there is no evidence to suggest criminality or that anyone else was involved, but specialist detectives are working to gather the full facts and circumstances. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays stated the force ‘will leave no stone unturned’ in the investigation.
Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed, and inquiries have been made to businesses and properties around the beach area to track the women’s last movements. On the day of the incident, police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront, with a lifeboat at sea and a helicopter overhead. The sea appeared choppy with waves crashing against the marina wall in windy conditions.
