Three sisters—Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31—drowned in the sea at Brighton in a tragedy confirmed by a coroner’s report as a suicide, echoing the death of their mother, Janice Adetoro, who also drowned in 2010. The siblings, who lived together in Greenford, London, were last seen alive around 2:00 a.m. on May 13 after taking a taxi to Brighton. They had earlier traveled to Birmingham, visiting a location linked to their mother’s death before heading to the seaside town.
The senior coroner, Penelope Schofield, delivered her findings at Woodvale Coroner’s Court, stating that the sisters entered the sea during darkness, could not swim, and faced adverse sea conditions. No signs of violence or external trauma were found during autopsies, and toxicology reports revealed no alcohol or drugs in their systems. A search of Christina’s computer uncovered 179 references to suicide and 227 mentions of water, indicating deep psychological distress. The coroner noted that Christina had struggled with depression and anxiety since her mother’s passing.
“These three sisters lived very secluded lives, they were incredibly private,” the coroner said. “We don’t know why they took this course of action or indeed why they chose to do it in Brighton.” She emphasized that the court would not speculate on motives, acknowledging that some reasons may never be known. The sisters’ decision to travel to Brighton, a place tied to their mother’s memory, suggests a possible emotional connection to the site of her death.
Their father, Joseph Jacobson, participated in the hearing virtually and shared a heartfelt written statement. He expressed profound grief, saying, “There are no words that can adequately express the pain of losing a child. To lose all three of my precious daughters, Jane, Christina and Rebecca, is a heartbreak beyond anything I could ever have imagined.” He added, “You were my daughters, you will always be my daughters and I will love you for the rest of my life. May your beautiful souls rest in perfect peace.”
Janice Adetoro, the mother, drowned at sea at age 43, and her body was recovered one month later. The family’s tragic history underscores a pattern of mental health struggles and loss. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of mental health support and early intervention, especially for those grieving past losses. This case serves as a somber reminder of the hidden battles many face and the need for compassionate, accessible care across communities.
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