Three women found dead in sea off Brighton beach were sisters taken ‘tragically far too soon’
The three women who died in unclear circumstances at sea off Brighton were sisters whose “lives ended tragically too soon”, their father said.
Emergency services were called to the beach at around 5.45am on Wednesday, May 13, after concerns grew about a person seen in the water near Madeira Drive.
Three bodies were recovered from the nearby sea after the coast guard sent helicopters and rescue teams to assist with the efforts.
Now, Sussex Police have identified the women as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31, from the Uxbridge area of north-west London.
Their father Joseph paid tribute to his daughters “whose lives were tragically ended too soon”.
She said in a statement: “Jane, Christina and Becky were more than 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.”
She added: “The tragedy of losing all three of you has left a void that words cannot heal. There are days when the grief is unbearable, yet I hold on tight to the memories we shared, the laughter, the conversations, the love and the bond that death can never tear.”
Police announced last Thursday that they were conducting extensive investigations to identify the three women. All their relatives have been informed and specialist police officers are supporting their families.
Police said an investigation was ongoing to understand how all three women ended up in the water, adding that there was no evidence of third-party involvement or criminality.
Police reviewed hundreds of hours of security footage and conducted searches at properties and businesses in the beach area to track the women’s latest movements.
Last week Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey described the incident as the city’s “most devastating news for a very long time”.
“I really can’t think of anything more tragic or more horrific than that,” he told BBC Radio Sussex. “This is the last thing anyone wants or expects to happen.”
Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle said the incident was “a thought-provoking and heartbreaking reminder that it is our families, neighbors and communities that matter”.
“I am extremely sorry for the families and friends of these women,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “Our seafront is one of the many jewels in our city’s crown, but the sea can be a risk.
“But tonight I will only think of the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information or anyone who may have seen the three women in the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on Tuesday, May 12, and 5.30am on Wednesday, May 13, to come forward.
Chief Inspector Adam Hays, Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with Jane, Christina and Rebecca’s family 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 want to reassure the public that 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 be given privacy to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”
