The family of three sisters who were found dead in the sea off Brighton have said the women’s mother also drowned more than a decade ago.
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from west London, were recovered from the water on May 13 after emergency services were called at about 5.45am.
Relatives described the sisters as quiet and close-knit, saying they avoided drinking, smoking and nightlife, before criticising the online speculation that has circulated since their deaths. Family members were unaware that the trio had travelled to Brighton in the early hours of that morning, the Daily Star reports.
View 3 ImagesPeople left flowers in tribute to the sisters after their deaths(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
However, they suggested the sisters may have journeyed to the East Sussex coast in remembrance of their mother, who drowned in Birmingham in 2010.
Ajike Adetoro, the girls’ aunt, described Jane, Christina and Rebecca as appearing “totally happy” before their tragic deaths, which she told the Times was “totally unexpected”.
How the women ended up in the water has not yet been determined, as detectives continue to trawl through CCTV and other evidence. Officers say there is currently no evidence pointing to criminal involvement or the presence of any other person connected to the incident.
The first image released by the sisters’ family has since been confirmed as being AI-generated, sparking public speculation. A subsequent, authentic image was released, taken during the women’s teenage years.
“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,” said the women’s father, Joseph, on Wednesday (May 20).
“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.”
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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 investigation into the deaths of the three sisters continues, with detectives trying to piece together their final hours. Officers have spent several days examining extensive CCTV footage and speaking to residents and businesses along the seafront in an effort to establish the women’s movements before they entered the water.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove, urged anyone who may have seen the sisters to come forward. Police are particularly keen to hear from witnesses who were in the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on Tuesday, May 12, and 5.30am the following morning.
“The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the family of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss,” Chief Superintendent Hays said.
View 3 ImagesA family handout of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, (image generated by family based on genuine photo)
“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.
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Speaking with the Daily Mail, last week, a Coastguard source said: “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.”