Blessing Olusegun: Police continuing investigation into death of young woman on Bexhill beach

Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman on a beach in Bexhill.
Blessing Ayomide Adetutu Olusegun's body was found on a Bexhill beach on September 18 SUS-210315-104502001Blessing Ayomide Adetutu Olusegun's body was found on a Bexhill beach on September 18 SUS-210315-104502001
Blessing Ayomide Adetutu Olusegun's body was found on a Bexhill beach on September 18 SUS-210315-104502001

Blessing Olusegun, of South East London, was found lying on the beach near Galley Hill at 6.20am on Friday, September 18.

Her body was identified that morning and her next of kin, her mother, was contacted and informed that afternoon during a visit from the Metropolitan Police at Sussex Police’s request.

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Police began an investigation and, at the time, her death was treated as ‘unexplained though not suspicious’.

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Body of 21-year-old woman found on Bexhill beach

A postmortem took place on September 24 and further forensic tests were carried out in order for the cause of death to be established.

The further forensic tests confirmed that Blessing’s death resulted from drowning, according to Sussex Police. This information was shared with Blessing’s mother by officers, in person, on October 16.

A post mortem examination, carried out by an independent pathologist, found no evidence of violence or of internal or external injury, police added.

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A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Taking into account all of the evidence available, the death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. This assessment is regularly reviewed, taking into consideration any updates or new information received.

“Detectives will continue to gather evidence on behalf of the coroner, who will then hold an inquest to rule on the cause of Blessing’s death.”

Blessing had been in Bexhill on a one-week placement as a live-in carer for the elderly, who suffer from dementia and other mental and physical health issues.

Her last message was sent to her family friend at 1.25am on September 18, according to her family.

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Blessing’s close friend and work colleague Christiana Sofolabo described the 21-year-old as ‘beautiful, gorgeous, talented and independent’.

Christiana said CCTV cameras in the area showed Blessing walking by the beach but did not show what happened afterwards as there were no cameras covering the area where her body was later found.

Christiana added: “As you can tell Blessing means so much to us, her friends and family who love Blessing. She shined so much light into all our lives, she was the most kind, loyal, beautiful, amazing, god-fearing, enigmatic young woman we ever had a pleasure to be around. She cared for us a lot.

“We love you Blessing Ayomide Adetutu Olusegun. We love you so much. Our angel. ️Rest in perfect angelic peace.”

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A petition calling for more information about Blessing’s death has received more than 21,000 signatures since Sunday night.

Police said officers and the coroner’s officer have kept in touch with Blessing’s mother to ensure she was informed of any significant development.

Detective Inspector Pippa Nicklin said: “We acknowledge there are a lot of people who want answers about what happened to Blessing, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances of her death so that we can provide those answers to her mother, wider family and friends.

“We understand this is an incredibly distressing time for Blessing’s mother and we are keen to do everything we can so that hopefully she may gain some closure over the death of her much-loved daughter. We remain in regular contact with her, as we have done throughout the investigation, and will ensure to update her promptly of any significant developments in the case.

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“Although there continues to be no evidence of crime, we have been keeping an open mind and are still carefully and fully examining all the circumstances leading up to Blessing’s death, from her arrival in Bexhill, to her leaving the house where she was working and walking to the beach.

“This remains an open and active investigation – it has never closed. Anyone who saw Blessing that night, or who has any other information that will help, can report online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Vista.”

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