Emergency services responded early on May 13 after concerns were raised about a person in the water near Brighton beach around 5:45 a.m. [1, 2, 3]. The bodies of three women were recovered from the sea near the Madeira Drive and Black Rock car park area later that day [1, 2, 3]. Authorities identified the women as sisters from the Uxbridge area of London: Jane Adetoro, 36; Christina Walter(s), 32; and Rebecca Walter(s), 31 [1, 2, 3]. There is a discrepancy in the spelling of the sisters’ last names, with some sources listing "Walter" and others "Walters" [1, 2, 3].
Police said there is currently no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement in the deaths, but the investigation remains ongoing [2, 3]. They are reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and tracing the sisters’ movements near the beach between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning [2, 3]. Officers believe the women may have entered the sea from the beach area and were first seen near Brighton Palace Pier drifting toward Brighton Marina before going into difficulty [2].
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said, "We will leave no stone unturned during the investigation. The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the family of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss" [2]. He added the case has profoundly impacted the local community and reassured the public the investigation will continue thoroughly to determine what led to the tragic events of that Wednesday morning [3]. Hays also requested privacy be afforded to the family as they come to terms with their loss [3].
The sisters’ father, Joseph, paid tribute by calling them "my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love" [2].
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. They are actively reviewing footage and seeking any information that could shed light on the final hours of the three women in the Brighton area.
