Three sisters found dead off Brighton seafront suffered a previous family tragedy when their mother died by drowning, it has emerged. Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were reported swept away from the shore at 5.45am on Wednesday, May 13. Their relatives revealed that the women may have been marking the memory of their mother, Janice, who drowned in Birmingham at age 43.
Mother's Death
Janice suffered from stress-related mental health problems before disappearing from her home in Erdington, Birmingham. Reports suggest the tragedy occurred in January 2012, but family members have said it happened in 2010. At the time, Janice lived with two daughters, aged 15 and 20, and had a third daughter, aged 16, who lived with her father in Bedfordshire. Janice's brother, Lincoln Walters, made an emotional plea for her to contact the family, saying, "The girls are so upset and can't stop thinking about you."
The Sisters' Lives
An inquest into the sisters' deaths will open at Brighton Coroner's Court on Friday, May 29. Fresh information about the women emerged: Jane worked as an accountant, Christina had recently graduated from Brunel University, and Rebecca was remembered as "the baby who was very mischievous" and "the lively one who was always cracking jokes." Their aunt, Ajike Adetoro, told The Times: "They were the closest sisters and best friends who did everything together." She added that they were "happy girls" who had moved out of their father's home two years ago but messaged at least twice a day.
Investigation
Sussex Police said there is no evidence of third-party involvement or criminality. One line of inquiry is that the trio, reportedly found fully clothed, may have been paddling when they slipped off a shingle coastal shelf. Police are appealing for information from anyone who saw the women in the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on May 12 and 5.30am on May 13. Emergency crews, including a helicopter and lifeboats, responded to reports of a woman struggling in the sea but were unable to save them.
Father's Tribute
The sisters' father, Joseph, released a statement: "No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives. They were more than daughters – they were my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love." He added: "Losing all three of you has left an emptiness that words cannot heal." He paid individual tributes: "Jane, your strength and loving spirit will never be forgotten. Christina, your kindness and beautiful heart touched so many lives. Becky, your warmth and joyful soul brought happiness wherever you went."
