A fundraising appeal has been launched following the deaths of three sisters who were recovered off Brighton beach to give them “the loving and dignified farewell they deserve”.
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.
The women have been named by Sussex Police as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32 and Rebecca Walters, 31, from the Uxbridge area of London.
In a statement made by their father Joseph on Wednesday, he said there are days when the grief feels “unbearable” but he holds onto the memories they shared and “the bond that death can never take away”.
A GoFundMe page has been set up aiming to raise £18,000 for their funeral costs.
Fundraiser organiser Adesoji Adetoro wrote that it was set up on behalf of his brother Joseph and the family, adding that they are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child, let alone all three,” he said.
“While trying to process this unimaginable tragedy, my brother is now also faced with the heartbreaking task of arranging three funerals.
“As a family, we simply want to give the girls the loving and dignified farewell they deserve.”
Since the fundraiser was launched more than £3,000 has been donated.
On Wednesday, Joseph paid tribute to his daughters as his joy and 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,” he said.
Sussex Police have said there is no evidence to suggest criminality or that anyone else was involved, but specialist detectives are working to gather the full facts and circumstances around their deaths.
Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed and inquiries made to businesses and properties around the beach area to try to track the women’s last movements, the force said.
Anyone with information is asked to come forward, particularly anyone who saw the sisters around the Madeira Drive area between 10pm on May 12 and 5.30am May 13.
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays has said the force “will leave no stone unturned” in the investigation to understand what led to the “tragic events of that Wednesday morning”.
After the women were named, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said to learn the women were sisters “makes this troubling situation even more heartbreaking”.
“My heart goes out their family and their friends,” she said.
“Their grief and suffering must feel overwhelming, I hope that they have support in this worst of times.
“Brighton & Hove is grieving too and I would like to again send them our deepest condolences, and our love.”
