An inquest has heard that the cause of death of three sisters recovered from the sea off Brighton beach is "yet to be ascertained." Emergency services were called at around 5.45am on May 13 after concerns were raised for a person's welfare. Three bodies were subsequently pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.
Victims Identified
The women were named by Sussex Police as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from the Uxbridge area of London. An inquest opened at Woodvale in Brighton on Friday heard that post-mortem examinations had offered a provisional cause of death as "yet to be ascertained." Senior coroner Penelope Schofield told the women's father, Joseph Jacobson, who attended the hearing online, that the loss of his daughters must be "unbearable," and she offered condolences.
Details of the Recovery
Statements read to the inquest detailed that Ms Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared deceased by a paramedic at the scene. Christina Walters was recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat, and Rebecca Walters was washed onto the shore of Brighton beach. Both were also declared dead by paramedics. The inquest heard that "medical investigations are ongoing to finalise the cause of death" for all three women, but at this stage police are satisfied there was no third party involvement.
It was heard that the sisters lived at the same address in Greenford, west London, and their occupations were unknown. The coroner said she hoped the details from the hearing would "stop social media speculation" around the circumstances of their deaths, and adjourned the inquest to be heard on October 8.
Father's Tribute
Following their deaths, their father Mr Jacobson said there are days when the grief feels "unbearable," but he holds on to the memories they shared and "the bond that death can never take away." In a statement released through Sussex Police, 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. 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."
Community Support and Investigation
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 in the incident, but specialist detectives are working to gather the full facts and circumstances around their deaths. Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed and inquiries made to businesses and properties around the beach area to try to track the women's last movements, the force has said. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays has stated that the force "will leave no stone unturned" in the investigation to understand what led to the "tragic events of that Wednesday morning."
Police and coastguard officials were stationed along the seafront and on the shingle beach on the day of the incident, where a lifeboat could be seen out at sea and a helicopter was flying overhead. The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall in windy conditions.
