A coroner acknowledged the “unbearable” pain of the father of the three sisters who were pulled from the sea off Brighton beach earlier this month, as she opened an inquest into their deaths. Coroner Penelope Schofield formally opened the inquest on Friday, May 29.
The brief hearing was held at Brighton Coroner’s Court, in a small court room located in the grounds of Woodvale Crematorium. During the hearing, the coroner’s officer, Victoria Foreman, confirmed the deaths of all three women. She named them as Jane Veronica Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters, adding they were all identified by their father, Joseph Jacobson.
Statements read to the inquest detailed that Ms Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared deceased by a paramedic at the scene.
Christina Walters was recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat and Rebecca Walters was washed on to the shore of Brighton beach, the court heard. Both were also declared dead by paramedics, the court also heard.
The court heard post-mortem examinations had offered a provisional cause of death as “yet to be ascertained”, but at this stage police are satisfied there was no third-party involvement.
Coroner Schofield said she was “Formally opening the inquest and adjourn it to October 8.”
She continued: “All three inquests will be heard together.”
Addressing Mr Jacobson, who attended the inquest online, she also said: “I appreciate today is very difficult for you and unbearable. The police investigation is ongoing.”
She said she hoped this would “stop the social media speculation”over the sisters’ deaths.
Following their deaths, their father Mr Jacobson said there are days when the grief feels “unbearable”, but he holds on to the memories they shared and “the bond that death can never take away”.
In a statement released through Sussex Police, he said: “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.
“Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful.
“Though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.”
Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person’s welfare at around 5.45am on May 13, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.