The father of three sisters who died after being swept out to sea off Brighton Beach has described living with “unbearable” grief as loved ones gathered to say their final goodbyes.
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were recovered from the water in the early hours of May 13. Emergency services were called about 5.45am following reports of a person in the water near Black Rock car park, Brighton. Their funeral took place in north-west London where family members paid emotional tributes to the sisters.
Father's tribute
Writing in the order of service, their father said: “You were more than my daughters: you were my joy, my strength and the beautiful light that filled my life with love.”
He added: “No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives. There are moments when it feels unbearable, but I hold tightly to the memories we shared, the love we knew and the bond that nothing can ever take away.
“Jane, I will never forget your strength. Tina, your kindness touched so many lives. Becky, your warmth and joyful spirit brought happiness wherever you went. Though I can no longer see you, I carry you in my heart every day.”
Remaining sister's tribute
Their remaining sister, Lilian, wrote: “We were four, and now I am one.”
Speaking at the funeral, their cousin Natalie Walters-Daniel said: “Your lives will never be forgotten, and your memory will live on forever. Together they accomplished so much. They pursued their education, they built careers, they created lives that reflected the values their parents instilled in them.”
The sisters, who were all born in Luton, had been living together in Greenford, west London, before their deaths.
Investigation and inquest
An inquest into the sisters’ deaths has been opened, while Sussex Police continue to investigate how the three women came to be in the water.
At an inquest hearing at Brighton & Hove Coroner’s Court on May 29, senior coroner Penelope Schofield said she hoped the inquest, with the causes of death still to be established, would “stop the social media speculation” surrounding how the sisters died. Though police have said they are satisfied there was no third-party involvement.
The court heard Jane’s body was brought ashore by the RNLI before she was pronounced dead at the scene. Christina was also recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat and taken to Brighton Marina lifeboat station, where she also was pronounced dead.
Rebecca’s body later washed ashore near Black Rock. The sisters’ father formally identified all three of their bodies. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays has previously said they would “leave no stone unturned” as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Sussex Police said officers were exploring “a number of lines of inquiry, which include understanding exactly who Jane, Christina and Rebecca were, to help us build a picture of how and why they came to be at the beach that morning”.
The inquest is due to continue in early October.
