The search for Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire who went missing on June 17, 2024, during a holiday in Tenerife, has come to a tragic conclusion. After 29 days of extensive search efforts by local authorities and volunteers, a body believed to be that of Jay Slater was found in the remote Masca area of the island.
Jay Slater disappeared after attending the NRG music festival on June 16. He was last heard from on June 17 when he called his friend Lucy Law, reporting that he was lost, his phone battery was low, and he needed water. Despite planning to walk back to his accommodation, he never arrived.
The search, coordinated by the Guardia Civil, involved helicopters, drones, and search dogs combing the challenging terrain of the Masca area. The efforts were called off on June 30 due to the difficult conditions and lack of new leads. The discovery of the body in the steep, rocky region suggests that Jay may have suffered an accident or fall.
Jay’s disappearance drew significant media attention and public concern, prompting a massive community response. His family flew to Tenerife to aid in the search, and a GoFundMe campaign raised over £43,500 to support the efforts and cover their expenses. Debbie Duncan, Jay’s mother, expressed her profound grief and thanked the public for their generosity and support during this harrowing time.
The case also sparked a wave of online speculation and conspiracy theories, adding to the family’s distress. Debbie Duncan had voiced fears that her son might have been taken against his will, further heightening the urgency of the search.
This tragic outcome has left Jay’s family and the community mourning. The authorities are continuing their investigation to confirm the identity of the body and determine the exact circumstances of Jay’s death.