Three sisters drowned off Brighton beach in unexplained circumstances, with police yet to establish how they came to be in the water during the early hours of a Wednesday morning in May. Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31, from the Uxbridge area of northwest London, were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive after emergency services were alerted at around 5.45am. Their father, Joseph, has now spoken publicly of the family’s devastation.
Father’s tribute: ‘My joy, my strength’
In a statement issued through Sussex Police, Joseph described his daughters as “more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love.” He said each sister was “unique and precious in your own special way” and that their “smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful.”
He added: “Though your time on Earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever. 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.”
Investigation: Hundreds of hours of CCTV and no evidence of third-party involvement
Sussex Police have said their investigation is ongoing and that there is no evidence to suggest third-party involvement or criminality. The force has declined to speculate on a cause, but has conducted extensive inquiries to piece together the sisters’ final hours. Detectives have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and visited properties and businesses around the beach area to trace the women’s last movements.
The women were formally identified on Wednesday, 20 May, a week after the bodies were recovered, with formal identification procedures having taken place. Their next of kin have been informed, and specialist officers are supporting the family.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, Divisional Commander for 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.”
Police have established Operation Ledmore to co-ordinate the inquiry. Investigators are understood to be examining whether the women lost their footing on a sharply descending shingle ledge that, according to local residents familiar with the shoreline, drops away abruptly just metres from the beach. Locals have suggested this underwater feature could catch people out, especially in rough conditions. Witnesses described the sea on the morning of 13 May as rough, with waves crashing against the marina wall and strong winds of up to 41mph creating powerful undercurrents.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey described the deaths as “the most devastating news” the city had received “for a very long time”. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, she said: “I can’t think of anything more tragic or more horrendous, really. This is the last thing that anyone wants or expects to happen.” She thanked emergency services for their response.
Peter Kyle, the MP for Hove and Portslade, called the incident a “sobering and heartbreaking reminder that our families, neighbours and communities are what is important”. He said: “I am desperately upset for the families and friends of these women. Our seafront is one of the many jewels in the crown of our city, but the sea can be a risk. However, for tonight I shall only be thinking about the families and friends affected by this tragedy.” Kyle also referenced a previous drowning incident off the Hove coast in 2021 involving Gareth Jones, whose son now campaigns for water safety.
The council is reviewing safety measures on the seafront, with existing advice highlighting the dangers of strong onshore winds, shore-dump waves, currents near piers and groynes, and the risk of cold water shock. The council advises swimming only in areas overseen by lifeguards during patrolled hours.
Public appeal: Did you see the sisters on Madeira Drive?
Sussex Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly anyone who may have seen the three women in the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on Tuesday, 12 May, and 5.30am on Wednesday, 13 May. The force is asking members of the public to quote Operation Ledmore when providing information.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene near Brighton seafront, reflecting the profound impact the tragedy has had on the local community and the wider public. Chief Superintendent Hays reiterated that the force’s focus remains on establishing what happened in those early hours, and that the family’s privacy should be respected as they come to terms with the loss of three sisters whose “lives ended so tragically far too soon”, in the words of their father.
