A grieving father in the United Kingdom says he is living through “unbearable grief” after his three daughters died together in the sea in a tragedy that has shaken communities across the United Kingdom.
According to reporting by the BBC, the women were identified by Sussex Police as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walter, 32, and Rebecca Walter, 31, all from the Uxbridge area of London.
Emergency responders were called to Brighton’s Madeira Drive near Black Rock car park shortly before dawn on May 13 after reports of a person in the water. Two additional bodies were later recovered nearby.
Police say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the sisters’ deaths remain ongoing. Authorities stated there is currently no evidence of foul play or third-party involvement, though detectives continue reviewing CCTV footage and tracing the women’s final movements.
According to investigators, one line of inquiry suggests the women may have entered the sea from the beach before encountering difficulty in the water. It is understood they were initially spotted near Brighton Palace Pier before drifting toward Brighton Marina.
Police Chief Adam Hays said authorities would “leave no stone unturned” in determining exactly what happened.
Now, their father, Joseph Adetoro, is speaking publicly about the devastating pain of losing all three daughters at once.
“No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives,” Joseph said in a statement shared through police.
Calling the sisters “beloved,” he described them as the emotional center of the family.
“Jane, Christina, and Becky were 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.
In one of the most emotional portions of the tribute, Joseph addressed his daughters directly.
“Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful,” he said. “Though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.”
The father said the tragedy had created “an emptiness that words cannot heal,” adding that some days the grief feels impossible to bear.
“There are days when the grief feels unbearable, yet I hold tightly to the memories we shared,” he said. “Though you are no longer here beside us, your spirits live on in our hearts every day. Love like yours never dies.”
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of emotion throughout Brighton and beyond, with local leaders and residents expressing heartbreak over the deaths.
Lawmaker for the area, Sian Berry, told BBC Radio Sussex she was moved by the compassion shown by the community.
“What I’ve seen since this tragedy first happened is the city just really pulling together and caring deeply about what happened to these women,” she said.
Resident Posy Brown, who said she is also one of four sisters, described the story as deeply personal and painful.
“I can’t imagine that happening to me and my family,” she told the BBC.
Meanwhile, Bella Sankey, Brighton & Hove City Councilor, called the incident “the most devastating news” the city had received “for a very long time.”
“I can’t think of anything more tragic or more horrendous,” Sankey said.
Specialist officers continue supporting the sisters’ family as the investigation remains active.
