The cause of death of three sisters found in the sea off Brighton beach remains unclear, an inquest has heard. Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, from Uxbridge, west London, were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive on 13 May. Postmortem examinations have given a provisional cause of death as 'yet to be ascertained', with medical investigations ongoing.
Sussex Police have stated they do not suspect foul play at this stage, and there is no evidence to suggest criminality or third-party involvement. Specialist detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. Senior coroner Penelope Schofield adjourned the inquest until 8 October, expressing hope that the hearing would curb social media speculation.
The sisters' father, Joseph Jacobson, who attended the hearing online, described the loss as 'unbearable' but said he holds onto the memories and 'the bond that death can never take away'. In a statement, he 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.'
Emergency services were called at around 5.45am on 13 May after concerns were raised for a person's welfare. Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared dead at the scene. Christina Walters was recovered by an RNLI lifeboat, and Rebecca Walters was washed onto the beach; both were also pronounced dead by paramedics. The sisters lived at the same address in Greenford, and their occupations are unknown.
Police have reviewed CCTV footage and made inquiries with businesses and properties near the beach to track the women's last movements. Ch Supt Adam Hays said the force 'will leave no stone unturned' in the investigation. A GoFundMe page for the sisters' funerals has raised nearly £44,000 from over 2,000 donations.
