The father of three sisters who drowned in the sea in Brighton says they were his “beautiful light”
Emergency services were called to the beach near Black Rock car park, off Madeira Drive, at around 5.45am last Wednesday, 13 May, where the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea nearby.
After extensive inquiries, the women have now been formally identified as sisters Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31.
Their next of kin are being supported by specialist officers during this incredibly difficult time.
Their father Joseph said: “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.
“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.
“Though you are no longer here beside us, your spirits live on in our hearts every day. Love like yours never dies. You will forever remain a part of our lives, our prayers and our memories.
“Rest peacefully, my precious daughters — Jane, Christina and Becky. You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.”
The investigation to understand how Jane, Christina and Rebecca came to be in the water is ongoing. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality but specialist detectives are working hard to gather the full facts and circumstances of their deaths.
This has included the review of hundreds of hours of CCTV, inquiries at properties and businesses around the beach area to try to trace the women’s last movements and extensive engagement with our partners in Brighton and London.
Police are appealing for anyone who has any information that could help the investigation to come forward, particularly anyone who may have seen the three women around the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on Tuesday 12 May and 5.30am on Wednesday 13 May.
If you can help, contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore, serial 438 of 20/05.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, the police divisional commander in Brighton and Hove, 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.”
Tragic indeed. Is it known what hotel they were staying at or what the reason for their visit to Brighton was? Were they visiting to celebrate a special occasion, see friends, for business or on a mini break? Perhaps the public can help if a bit more information is released.