Sussex Police have concluded their probe into the deaths of Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters, and Rebecca Walters, finding no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The three sisters drowned in the English Channel off the coast of Brighton on May 13, 2024.
The May 13 timeline at Madeira Drive
On the night of May 13, 2024, Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were involved in a tragic incident off the Brighton coast. According to Sussex Police, the sisters were dropped off at Madeira Drive by a taxi at approximately 10:20 PM. The investigation suggests the women entered the water later that night, leading to their deaths in the English Channel.
The sisters, who were originally from Luton and lived in Greenford, London, were described by their father as "beautiful lights ." Their professional lives included roles as a senior accountant, a junior accountant, and an HR administrator, respectively.
Why the fully clothed state of the three sisters is central to the case
A key detail in the police report is that all three women were found fully clothed, which strongly suggests they did not enter the water for the purpose of intentional swimming. The recovery process involved different locations and agencies; an RNLI crew recovered the bodies of Jane and Christina , while Rebecca was found washed ashore near the Black Rock car park.
As the report notes, this lack of swimwear or typical swimming attire points toward a highly unusual set of circumstances that the investigation has yet to fully explain. The fact that they entered the sea together while fully dressed remains one of the most perplexing aspects of the tragedy.
Addressing the Black community's concerns over water safety
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays has acknowledged the heightened sensitivity surrounding this case, particularly regarding the concerns of the Black community concerning deaths near water bodies.. This social dimension adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as the community seeks not just legal clarity, but an understanding of why this tragedy occurred.
The loss of three professional women from the Greenford and Luton areas has left a significant void. For many, the investigation's conclusion is only the beginning of a much longer process of seeking accountability and understanding regarding safety and circumstances in such environments.
The specific questions facing the HM Coroner's inquest
While Sussex Police have stated there is no evidence of third-party involvement, the case now moves to an HM Coroner's inquest to seek definitive answers. Several critical points remain unverified or unaddressed in the current police findings. Specifically, the inquest must determine the exact reason the sisters entered the sea together and what specific events occurred between their taxi arrival and their entry into the water.
Additionally, the report notes that no evidence of nightclub visits or other social activities was found, leaving a gap in the understanding of their final hours. The inquest will be tasked with determining whether these deaths were the result of an accident, a medical event, or other unforeseen circumstances.
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