Brighton beach sisters inquest opens as coroner speaks of ‘unbearable’ hurt for dad | UK | News

The father of three sisters pulled from the sea off Brighton beach earlier this month has acknowledged his “excruciating” pain as he launches an inquest into their deaths, a coroner has admitted. Coroner Penelope Schofield officially opened the inquest on Friday, May 29.

The brief hearing was held at Brighton Coroner’s Court, in a small courtroom in the grounds of Woodvale Crematorium. During the hearing, coroner Victoria Foreman confirmed that all three women were dead. He named them Jane Veronica Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters, adding that they were all identified by their father, Joseph Jacobson.

Statements read to the inquest detailed that Ms Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI team and pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

The court heard Christina Walters was rescued from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat and Rebecca Walters was dragged to the shore of Brighton beach. The court also heard they were both pronounced dead by paramedics.

The court heard post-mortem examinations suggested the provisional cause of death “has not yet been established” but at this stage police are satisfied there was no third party involved.

Coroner Schofield said he had “officially opened the inquest and adjourned it until October 8”.

He continued: “All three investigations will be heard together.”

Addressing Mr Jacobson, who joined the investigation online, he said: “I appreciate that today has been very difficult and excruciating for you. The police investigation is ongoing.”

He said he hoped this would stop “speculation on social media” about the sisters’ deaths.

Following their deaths, their father, Mr Jacobson, said there were days when the pain was “unbearable” but he held on to the memories they shared and “the bond that death could never break”.

In a statement released through Sussex Police, she said: “Jane, Christina and Becky were more than just girls 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 valuable in your own way. Your smile brightened the dark days, your laughter gave solace, your presence made life more meaningful.”

“Even though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.”

Emergency services were called at around 5.45am on May 13 after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.