An inquest has concluded that three sisters who were found dead in the sea off Brighton in May took their own lives. The bodies of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive shortly after 5:45 a.m. on May 13. Senior coroner Penelope Schofield ruled their deaths as suicides but acknowledged the exact reasons behind their actions may never be known.

The sisters had traveled from their shared residence in Greenford, west London, to Birmingham on the night of May 11, visiting Brookvale Park Lake—a site connected to their mother’s suicide in 2010. They returned to their flat early on May 12 and later that evening took a pre-booked taxi to Brighton, arriving near the seafront around 10:21 p.m. CCTV footage reportedly captured their last known sighting on the beach at 2:42 a.m. the following morning.

Forensic examinations determined that all three died from drowning, with no indications of drugs, alcohol, or external violence involved. The coroner noted the sisters entered the sea in adverse conditions at night and were unable to swim. Investigations also revealed no CCTV coverage of their activities while in Birmingham. Police inquiries found that Christina Walters had conducted extensive online searches related to suicide in the month prior to her death, and financial assessments indicated the sisters had cleared some bank accounts days before, including the full repayment of a loan by Jane Adetoro.

Family medical history presented some insights: Christina Walters had reportedly suffered from anxiety and depression since their mother’s death, while Jane Adetoro was not registered with a general practitioner, and Rebecca Walters’ medical records showed no notable concerns. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore provided evidence during the hearing at Brighton and Hove Coroner’s Court.

The sisters’ father, Joseph Jacobson, expressed deep sorrow in a written statement read at the inquest. He described the loss of all three daughters as “a heartbreak beyond anything I could ever have imagined” and said he could not comprehend why their lives ended so suddenly.

Senior coroner Schofield remarked on the family’s private nature and said it was not for the court to speculate on their motives. She further encouraged anyone experiencing distress to seek support from mental health resources.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health and the importance of support services for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.