Three sisters whose bodies were recovered from the ocean near Brighton beach have been formally identified as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths.
Why it matters: The deaths of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, have shocked both local and wider communities as authorities seek answers.
The sisters were found in the water near Black Rock car park early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2026.
Sussex Police have confirmed there is currently no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement in the case.
Specialist detectives are reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to trace the sisters' final movements.
Driving the news: Emergency services responded to concerns for welfare around 5:45 a.m. on May 13, leading to the recovery of the sisters' bodies from the ocean.
Authorities were alerted after reports raised concerns about individuals in the water near Madeira Drive.
Police have urged anyone who saw the sisters between 10 p.m. on May 12 and 5:30 a.m. on May 13 to come forward with information.
State of play: The investigation is still underway, with Sussex Police working closely with local partners to gather full details about the sisters' last hours.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays stated that investigators will "leave no stone unturned" in their quest to understand what led to the tragic events.
Authorities are conducting extensive inquiries at properties and businesses around the beach area.
Local residents have expressed concerns that the sisters may have been swept away after paddling too far into the sea.
The big picture: The sisters' father, Joseph, has shared a heartfelt tribute, describing his daughters as his joy and the light of his life.
"No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives," he said in a statement released through Sussex Police.
Joseph emphasized that each daughter was "unique and precious" in her own way, highlighting their individual qualities and the love they brought to their family.
His tribute reflects the deep emotional impact their loss has had not just on him, but also on the community.
What they're saying: Community members and officials alike have expressed their condolences and concern over the tragedy.
Hays noted that the incident has had a "profound impact" on the local community in Brighton and across the country.
He reassured the public that the police are fully committed to discovering the circumstances surrounding the sisters' deaths.
Joseph concluded his tribute stating, "Though you are no longer here beside us, your spirits live on in our hearts every day. Love like yours never dies."
By the numbers: The timeline of events surrounding the sisters’ deaths is still being pieced together.
Authorities are reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage.
The sisters were found shortly after emergency services were called at 5:45 a.m. on May 13.
Police have requested information from anyone who may have seen the sisters in the hours leading up to their deaths.
What's next: The investigation remains active as police continue to gather evidence and seek public assistance.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
The police have indicated that they will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Joseph has requested privacy for his family during this difficult time as they mourn their loss.