Heartbreaking new details have emerged in the case of three sisters who were tragically found dead in the water off of Brighton beach on May 13. Their mum had died of drowning years earlier
The grieving relatives of three sisters discovered dead in the waters off Brighton have revealed another heartbreaking detail – the women’s mother lost her life by drowning years earlier.
Jane Adetoro, 36, along with sisters Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from Uxbridge in west London, were recovered from the sea shortly before dawn on May 13 after emergency services were alerted at around 5.45am.
Family members described the trio as reserved and deeply connected to one another, insisting they lived quiet lives and avoided drinking, smoking and nightlife. They also criticised the growing online conspiracy theories that have circulated since the tragedy.
Relatives said they had no knowledge that the women had travelled to Brighton in the early hours of that morning. However, they suggested the sisters may have journeyed to the East Sussex coast in remembrance of their mother, who drowned in Birmingham in 2010.
Their aunt, Ajike Adetoro, said the deaths came without warning, explaining that Jane, Christina and Rebecca had appeared “totally happy” beforehand and that what happened was “totally unexpected”, reports the Times.
Police investigating the case say they have not yet determined how the sisters entered the water. Detectives added there is currently no evidence pointing to criminal involvement or the presence of any other person connected to the incident.
Public speculation increased after the family initially released an AI-generated image showing the three women together. A later photograph, taken during the sisters’ teenage years, was subsequently shared publicly.
In an emotional statement issued on Wednesday, the women’s father, Joseph, spoke openly about the pain of losing all three daughters. He said in a statement: “Today, with a heart full of sorrow and love, I pay tribute to my beloved daughters – Jane, Christina, and Becky – whose lives ended so tragically far too soon.
“No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives. 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.”
Joseph later reflected on each daughter individually, saying: “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. You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply missed.
“The tragedy of losing all three of you has left an emptiness that words cannot heal. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, yet I hold tightly to the memories we shared — the laughter, the conversations, the love, and the bond that death can never take away.”
The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sisters’ deaths remains active. Officers have spent days reviewing extensive CCTV footage and carrying out enquiries with residents and businesses near the seafront in an effort to map the women’s final movements.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, the Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove, appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact police. Investigators are especially interested in hearing from people who may have seen the sisters near Madeira Drive between 10pm on Tuesday, May 12, and 5.30am the following morning.
Chief Superintendent Hays said: “The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the family of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss.
“I know this incident has had a profound impact on the local community in Brighton, and across the country and I’d like to reassure the public we will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to understand exactly what led to the tragic events of that Wednesday morning.
“This investigation will continue in earnest, with Jane, Christina and Rebecca’s family at its centre. I would ask that they are given the privacy to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”
One possible explanation being explored by Coastguard investigators is that one or more of the sisters may have entered the sea from the beach before encountering difficulties caused by Brighton’s sharply sloping seabed.
A Coastguard source told the Daily Mail last week: “The shoreline off Brighton Beach slopes steeply into deep water, many people don’t realise the danger. You don’t have to go far out at all before there’s a big drop-off and you go from knee-high water to chest-high water.
“Swimmers can be pulled out of their depth very quickly from the backwash and with pebbles shifting underfoot it becomes difficult to maintain your balance especially when you’re trying to climb back up the slope with waves crashing against you.
“One theory that the Coastguard are looking at is that at least one of the women went into the sea for a paddle and strayed too far out and were caught out by the sudden drop.”
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