The family of three sisters whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton has appealed to the public to cease spreading unfounded conspiracy theories online regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
Details of the Incident
Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were found dead in the water on 13 May after concerns were raised about a person in distress. Sussex Police formally identified the siblings on Wednesday, and their father paid tribute to his daughters, whose lives ended tragically and prematurely.
Since their identities were disclosed, speculation on social media has escalated. The sisters' aunt, Ajike Adetoro, told The Times that these theories are causing the family more harm than good. She expressed dismay at the lack of compassion shown, stating that the narratives cast a shadow over the sisters' memories. According to her, the sisters prided themselves on being exceptions to the norm, avoiding wild behaviour as their mother would have wished.
The sisters' mother drowned in Birmingham in 2010, adding to the family's grief.
AI-Generated Image Fuels Speculation
Online theories intensified after relatives used artificial intelligence to create a composite image of the sisters from old photographs, as they lacked a recent picture of them together. Ms. Adetoro noted that she has stopped looking at the online comments due to their distressing nature.
Initially, Sussex Police released a photo of the three sisters as adults as part of their father's tribute, but it was later removed. A subsequent police photo showed the women as children with their father.
Ms. Adetoro described the conspiracy theories as deeply troubling, with people jumping to conclusions about a racist attack, murder, or clubbing—all of which she said are incorrect.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Sussex Police confirmed that the investigation into how the three women entered the water is ongoing. They stated there is no evidence of third-party involvement or criminality. Officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and conducted inquiries at properties and businesses near the beach to trace the women's final movements.
Ms. Adetoro emphasised that the sisters were completely happy in the weeks and months before the incident, making it entirely unexpected.
Family's Tribute and Appeal
She described the sisters as the closest of siblings and best friends who did everything together. They had moved out of their father's home two years ago but remained in daily contact. The family is still trying to understand why the sisters travelled to Brighton that morning.
Ms. Adetoro added: "We've got to speak out in order to clarify this whole situation. These girls would not drink alcohol or smoke. They never went clubbing. They didn't even have social media. They were their father's world. He has to sort the funeral for three of them."
Police are appealing for anyone who saw the women around Madeira Drive between 10pm on 12 May and 5:30am on 13 May to contact them online or via 101, quoting Operation Ledmore, serial 438 of 20/05.
The Independent has contacted Sussex Police for further comment.
