'Words seem inadequate': Sisters who died in Brighton sea remembered at funeral service
Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters were described as "remarkable women" whose love for one another, devotion to family and professional achievements defined their lives
Mourners gathered today to pay tribute to three sisters who died at sea off Brighton during an emotional funeral service filled with prayers and heartfelt tributes from loved ones.
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32 and Rebecca Walters, 31, who were born in Luton and were living together in west London, lost their lives after entering the sea near Brighton's Black Rock beach on 13 May.
Police have said there is currently no evidence of third-party involvement and an inquest has been adjourned while investigations continue into the cause of their deaths.
During the funeral service, watched by Black Current News, a pastor explained that the sisters' father, Joseph Jacobson, felt unable to take to the stage to read his own tribute. Instead, he said their cousin, who was introduced as Lejane, would read it on his behalf.
Another cousin, Natalie Walters-Daniel, described the difficult task of putting into words the loss of “three extraordinary women”.
“There are moments in life when words seem inadequate and this is one of them,” she said.
“How do we truly capture the love, the memories and the impact of three beautiful lives taken too soon?
“Yet we come together today not only to mourn their loss, but to honour the remarkable women they were and the legacies they have left behind.”
She remembered the eldest sister Jane as a “natural protector” whose warmth and leadership shaped the family.
“Jane had a smile that could brighten any room and a presence that brought comfort wherever she went. As the eldest sister, she naturally became a protector... offering guidance, love and support.”
Natalie said Jane’s determination led her to become a senior accountant, where she excelled through “hard work, intelligence and perseverance”, inspiring those around her, including her younger sisters.
She described Christina as fiercely determined, recalling how she followed in her older sister’s footsteps.
After graduating from university in 2024, Christina became a junior accountant, sharing Jane’s love of mathematics and numeracy, according to Natalie.
Her achievements reflected not only her intelligence but her dedication to making her family proud, Natalie explained.
Rebecca, the youngest sister, was remembered for her compassion and gentle nature.
“From the very beginning, Rebecca possessed a gentle spirit,” Natalie said.
“She had the kindest heart, a joyful nature and a warmth that drew people to her.”
Rebecca worked as a HR administrator, a role her cousin said perfectly suited her caring personality.
She also spoke of Rebecca’s especially close relationship with her late mother, Janice, saying she carried her mother’s “kindness, strength and nurturing spirit” throughout her life.
Reflecting on the sisters’ relationship, Natalie said they had spent more than three decades lifting one another up.
“They encouraged, they loved each other, they supported each other through life’s joys and challenges.
“Together they accomplished so much. They pursued their education, they built careers, they created lives that reflected the values their parents instilled in them.”
She also spoke movingly about the profound impact of losing the sisters’ mother, Janice, 16 years ago.
“The bond they shared with her was deep, nurturing and irreplaceable. Yet, despite the pain, Jane, Christina and Rebecca continued to move forward with courage and determination.”
News reports relating to the disappearance of a woman named Janice Adetoro, understood to be the sisters’ mother, were published in 2012. Her death by drowning was later confirmed.
Natalie added: “Even as they grew into accomplished women with careers, responsibilities and had their own lives, they never ceased to be their father’s beloved daughters.
“Their love, respect and admiration for him, it was constant, and the memories they created together will forever remain a treasured part of their family’s story.”
The sisters’ deaths have prompted widespread public discussion, particularly within Black communities, amid broader conversations about several cases in recent years involving Black women whose bodies have been recovered from water.
Many of those cases were not treated as suspicious by police.
The sisters’ family have previously appealed for an end to “conspiracy theories” and online speculation as they continue to mourn their loss.
At a preliminary inquest last month, Senior Coroner Penelope Schofield said she hoped the proceedings would "stop the social media speculation" surrounding the sisters' deaths.
Police have said there is no evidence of third-party involvement and that extensive enquiries, including reviews of hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and witness interviews, are ongoing.
The inquest is due to resume in October.
If this story has affected you, support is available. Those experiencing grief or emotional distress can contact Cruse Bereavement Support on 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk. Black people seeking culturally informed mental health support can access this through the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) at baatn.org.uk. If you are struggling to cope or having thoughts of suicide, you can contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Got a news tip or story idea? Submit it via this form. Reader feedback and corrections are welcomed separately here.
