Inquest opens into deaths of three sisters in Brighton sea tragedy
An inquest has begun in Brighton for three sisters who drowned off the coast, with no signs of foul play. Their father, watching remotely, received condolences from the coroner as police continue their investigation.
An inquest opened Friday at Brighton & Hove Coroner’s Court into the deaths of three sisters who drowned off Brighton beach on May 13, a case police describe as a heartbreaking accident with no evidence of foul play.
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from Uxbridge in west London, lost their lives in waters just yards from shore. Senior coroner Penelope Schofield opened proceedings with direct words to their father, who joined via video link: “It must be a difficult day for your family.” Her statement underscored the raw grief still fresh weeks after their disappearance.
Key Points
- ✅ Three sisters drowned off Brighton beach on May 13
- ⚡ No evidence of third-party involvement found by Sussex Police
- 💡 Inquest began at Brighton & Hove Coroner’s Court on Friday
Sussex Police confirmed Friday that their investigation remains active but has found no indication of criminal involvement. Officers are now focusing on reconstructing the final hours of the women, including how they entered the sea and whether environmental conditions played a role.
| Aspect | Known Detail | Unresolved |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Brighton beach, near shore | Exact entry point unclear |
| Time of Death | May 13 | Time of entry into water undetermined |
| Police Findings | No third-party involvement | Cause of water entry under review |
The sisters, who lived in Uxbridge, were last seen together in Brighton on the evening of May 12. Witness statements suggest they were walking near the promenade before darkness fell. Authorities have not released details about their clothing or whether they entered the water intentionally.
📋 By The Numbers
- 3 — Number of sisters who died
- 36, 32, 31 — Their ages at the time of death
- 0 — Number of suspects identified
The inquest continues, with coroner Schofield emphasizing that the purpose is not to assign blame but to establish the facts. A timeline is being built from phone records, security footage, and witness accounts, though coastal visibility was poor that night and many details remain obscured.
💡 Pro Tip
If visiting coastal areas at night, carry a fully charged phone, wear reflective clothing, and share your location with someone you trust. Even short walks near water can turn dangerous in poor visibility.
Relatives have requested privacy, and the coroner has asked the public to respect their grief during this difficult phase. Sussex Police urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward, as even a single detail could help piece together the final moments of the sisters’ lives.
- 📊 CCTV from Brighton Pier shows three figures near the shore around 9:30 PM on May 12
- 🔍 No distress signals were recorded by lifeboat or coastguard services
- ⚠️ Water temperatures were below seasonal averages on the night of the incident
With no immediate suspects and no signs of struggle, the case remains one of tragic misadventure. Authorities are now consulting maritime experts to assess whether rip currents or sudden weather changes contributed to their deaths. The outcome of the inquest could bring closure—or raise new questions—for a family still searching for answers.