The bodies of three sisters — Jane Adetoro (36), Christina Walter (32) and Rebecca Walter (31) — were recovered from the sea off Brighton on May 13 and identified by Sussex Police on May 20. Family members say the women had ‘‘never recovered’’ emotionally after their mother, Janice Adetoro, drowned in 2010. Authorities say there is currently no evidence of third‑party involvement; specialist detectives continue to investigate. Relatives described the sisters as close, private and unexpectedly happy in the months before their deaths.
Three Sisters Found Dead Off Brighton Beach Had 'Never Recovered' From Mother's 2010 Drowning, Family Says
Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters are pictured with their father, JosephCredit: Sussex Police
Sussex Police have formally identified three women whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton as sisters Jane Adetoro, 36; Christina Walter, 32; and Rebecca (Becky) Walter, 31. Emergency services recovered the bodies near the Black Rock car park off Madeira Drive at about 5:45 a.m. on May 13; police confirmed their identities on May 20.
A photo of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31, generated by the family, based on a photograph of the women when they were youngerCredit: Sussex Police
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing but, at present, there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality. Specialist detectives are continuing to gather facts to establish how the sisters came to be in the water. Police have released few further details while inquiries continue.
Janice AdetoroCredit: BPM
Family Background and Reaction
The family has spoken publicly about the traumatic history that affected the sisters. Their father, Joseph, issued a heartfelt tribute shared by police, describing Jane, Christina and Becky as “my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family.” He said losing all three daughters has left an emptiness that words cannot heal.
A photo of Black Rock beach and Madeira Drive in Brighton, EnglandCredit: Google
“You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply missed,” Joseph said. “Rest peacefully, my precious daughters — Jane, Christina, and Becky. You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
The sisters' aunt, Ajike Johnson (known as “Auntie Jik”), and their stepmother, Genevieve Barnaby-Adetoro, told media outlets the siblings had been profoundly affected by an earlier family tragedy: the drowning of their mother, Janice Adetoro, in 2010. Johnson said, “It traumatized the girls. They never recovered.”
Janice Adetoro: 2010 Drowning
Janice Adetoro, then 43, went missing from the family home on Jan. 5, 2010. Her body was found in Brookvale Lake, Erdington, Birmingham, on Feb. 3, 2010. Contemporary reports indicate she had left home without belongings and that she had been detained under the Mental Health Act on Oct. 29, 2009, and later discharged from home treatment in December 2009. Coroner Aidan Cotter recorded a verdict of drowning, stating there was no evidence of injury, deliberate self-harm, or suspicious circumstances.
Family's Description of the Sisters
Relatives told reporters the sisters were close and private: they often messaged one another, avoided alcohol and smoking, did not frequent clubs and had little or no social media presence. Genevieve Barnaby-Adetoro said she did not believe the sisters had walked into the sea deliberately and emphasized that they had appeared happy in the weeks and months before their deaths.
Police and coroner offices have not released further detail publicly. The coroner's office for the Birmingham and Solihull area did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment, and Sussex Police said specialist detectives remain focused on establishing the full circumstances.
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