Jay Slater’s “devastated” mother has said her family’s “hearts are broken” after a body found in the search for the British teenager in Tenerife was confirmed to be his.
“We have a positive ID ... Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area,” a court spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon.
Human remains were found on Monday in the area where Slater disappeared near the village of Masca, almost a month after Slater went missing while on holiday on the Spanish island.
The apprentice bricklayer had been at a festival on 16 June before travelling to an Airbnb in Masca with two men. He appeared to start an 11-hour walk back to his apartment the following morning before vanishing.
His mother Debbie Duncan said the confirmation of her son’s death in Tenerife was “the worst news”, adding: “I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.”
Meanwhile, dozens turned out to pay their respects in the UK as an emotional vigil was held in his Lancashire hometown.
Key Points
- Jay Slater’s mother says ‘our hearts are broken’
- Body found in Tenerife belongs to Jay Slater, autopsy confirms
- Emotional vigil held in Jay Slater’s hometown
- British teenager’s family believe he died instantly after falling from height
- Area where body was found in hunt for Jay Slater ‘is being searched again'
Emotional vigil held in Jay Slater’s hometown
22:32
Athena Stavrou
Dozens of balloons have been released in Jay Slater’s hometown as those who knew him held an emotional vigil in memory of the teenager.
Tearful locals comforted each other in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, on the day authorities in Tenerife confirmed they had found his body in the Rural de Teno park.
While Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, and father, Warren Slater, are still on the island as four weeks of gruelling searching come to a close, loved ones in the UK paid tribute.
Jay’s football coach, Pam Kierons, laid flowers in memory of the apprentice bricklayer and told The Mirror: “I’m devastated for the family, devastated for Debbie. The outcome is not what anyone wanted, but at least they can bring his body home.
“It’s disgusting that people have dug into past issues and come up with crazy conspiracy theories. Sadly the most likely thing to have happened has happened.”
Reverend Matt Smith told the paper: “Our thoughts and our prayers are with them. We’re here and supporting them for when they need us.”
Blue ribbons were tied to trees and lamp posts across the area as dozens of blue balloons were released.
Mapped: Jay Slater's last known whereabouts
21:48
Andy Gregory
What did Spanish authorities say today?
20:59
Andy Gregory
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the body found in Tenerife was that of Jay Slater and that the injuries he sustained were compatible with an accidental fall.
“We have a positive ID,” a court spokesperson said. “Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.”
Full report: Jay Slater’s ‘devastated’ family say their worst fears have been realised
20:39
Andy Gregory
Jay Slater's “devastated” family have said their “worst fears have been realised” after a body found in the search for the missing British teenager has been confirmed as him.
The CEO of the charity LBT Global, which has been supporting Mr Slater’s family during the ordeal, said he was with the teenager’s mother Debbie Duncan, 55, when the “worst news” broke.
Speaking of Mr Slater’s family, Matthew Searle told The Independent: “It’s just the worst news they could possibly expect. There’s always that slim hope until confirmation comes that they’ve got it wrong and it’s someone else, but sadly they haven’t got it wrong and their worst fears have been realised.”
My colleague Tara Cobham has the full report on today’s events:
Jay Slater’s mother ‘would have never given up looking for him’, say former headteachers
20:15
Andy Gregory
The headteachers at Jay Slater’s former primary and secondary schools have released new statements following the discovery of his body in Tenerife.
Andrew Williams, of Rhyddings High School, and James McBride of West End Primary School, said all members of their communities sent their deepest sympathies to anyone who knew the 19-year-old.
“As a devoted mother, we know Debbie would have never given up looking for Jay, and she and the family are firmly in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” their statement said.
“We hope that this tragic discovery will not only dispel any rumours, but allow the family to return with their son and afford them the dignity of their private grief and mourning.”
Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
19:38
Andy Gregory
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist. Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
The search followed Mr Slater’s last known steps through treacherous valleys and dangerous ravines until his body was found after four gruelling weeks.
My colleague Alexander Butler has more details:
Church in Jay Slater hometown to open this evening to support community
19:01
Andy Gregory
West End Methodist Church in Oswaldtwistle is set to open this evening for people to light a candle, say prayers and write messages of support to the loved ones of Jay Slater, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.
Reverend Matt Smith was quoted as saying: “We are going to open the church from 7pm to 8pm for people to come and be together.
“It won’t be a service, that will be on Sunday as normal at 10.30am, but it’s a place for people to come together, to support each other and say prayers and write messages of support for the family and be together.”
Watch: Jay Slater's friend recalls final phone call before teenager went missing in Tenerife
18:31
Andy Gregory
Jay Slater was ‘hardworking apprentice with bright future’, says college
18:03
Andy Gregory
Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay Slater was an apprentice bricklayer, has released a statement to the BBC stating the college is “deeply saddened to hear the news” of the 19-year-old’s death.
“Jay was a hard-working apprentice ... with a very bright future ahead of him and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” the statement said.
Acknowledging that the past month has been an “incredibly difficult time”, the college said it would provide support and resources for those who need it.
Oswaldtwistle resident expresses sympathy for Jay Slater family
17:39
Andy Gregory
Sarah, a resident from Jay Slater’s hometown of Oswaldtwistle, told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I didn’t know the lad personally … but it’s close to home so it affects you. It’s so sad for his mum, dad, his friends and family.”
Sarah said she was among residents who had tied blue ribbons outside their houses to show support to Jay’s family, adding: “They’re all still everywhere. It’s really sad.”
Three unanswered questions about British teen’s disappearance on Tenerife
17:09
Andy Gregory
“All indications” suggest that the body found could be that of Jay Slater, who “could have died due to an accidental fall in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found”, the Civil Guard has said.
With post-mortem and forensic investigations yet to conclude, questions remain over how the apprentice bricklayer went missing in an area inundated with tourists:
Trolling put Jay Slater's mother through more 'stress and trauma' on top of ordeal
16:39
Tara Cobham
Online trolling put Jay Slater’s mother through “additional stress and trauma” on top of the already “incredibly difficult” situation she was enduring over her missing son.
Matthew Searle, CEO of the charity LBT Global, which is supporting the teenager’s family, told The Independent: “She’s found it incredibly difficult dealing with this whole situation, but with the additional stress and trauma put on her by the amount of obscene trolling, armchair detectives, so-called experts and specialists – it’s been really hard on her and the family.”
He compared it to the frenzied online speculation that surrounded the Nicola Bulley case, which was condemned by some of her loved ones.
Jay Slater's family are 'devastated' after 'worst fears realised'
16:20
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s family are “devastated” after “their worst fears have been realised”, the chief of a charity supporting his loved ones has said.
LBT Global’s Matthew Searle MBE was talking to the teenager’s mother Debbie Duncan, 55, when the news that her son’s body had been identified broke.
Mr Searle told The Independent: “It’s just the worst news they could possibly expect. There’s always that slim hope until confirmation comes that they’ve got it wrong and it’s someone else, but sadly they have’t got it wrong and their worst fears have been realised.”
He added: “They’re pretty much lost for words – just how devastated they are.”
Ms Duncan is still in Tenerife along with the 19-year-old’s father Warren Slater, 47, as well as one of his friends Brandon Hodgson, 19. Mr Searle said the family are not currently disclosing when they will be returning home to the UK, nor releasing any funeral details at this time.
TikToker fears he may have walked past Jay Slater’s body ‘five or six times’ during Tenerife search
16:03
Andy Gregory
A TikToker who answered family pleas to join the hunt for Jay Slater in Tenerife is puzzled by the discovery of his body in an area he believed had been searched thoroughly.
Londoner Callum Fahim scoured the rocky ravines of the Spanish island with a search party just days after the apprentice bricklayer vanished outside a remote Airbnb in Masca.
Mr Fahim spoke to The Independent shortly after a Spanish court said autopsy fingerprinting confirmed the body belongs to the teenager. He said: “I’m absolutely devastated.
“We searched that area on the first day right next to where he was found further down. It is very dangerous there and inaccessible really. They had to get a helicopter to lift searchers out of there.
He added: “I am gutted we couldn’t find him sooner because there would have been a chance to save his life. I will always question myself - could I have done better? I do feel like I failed a little bit, no matter what people say. I imagine I’ve walked past him five or six times.”
My colleague Barney Davis has more details from the interview here:
Jay Slater's family 'take small comfort' from belief he died instantly
15:46
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s family have taken “very small comfort” in their belief that he died instantly after falling from a significant height, a charity chief who has been speaking with his mother has said.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent he had been speaking with Debbie Duncan, 55, at length after Spanish authorities concluded her son’s injuries were consistent with an accidental fall.
Mr Searle, whose charity has been supporting Mr Slater’s family during this ordeal, said they had looked closely at the area where the rescue teams were searching when they found the 19-year-old’s body.
“Chances are if he did fall from a height where we saw the recovery teams then it’s very unlikely he would have known much about it,” said the charity CEO.
“That takes away the horrible nightmare idea that he fell and was waiting for help that never came. It’s very small comfort, but it is some.”
Jay Slater's body set to be repatriated to UK in coming days, says charity supporting family
15:30
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s body should be repatriated to the UK in the coming days, according to a charity supporting his family.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent his charity and Mr Slater’s family are “working closely” with Spanish authorities following the autopsy results.
He said: “As the coroner hasn’t found any indication of criminal activity, the body will be released soon and repatriated to the UK. We would expect that to happen in the coming days.”
Charity calls for ‘end to all hurtful comments’ on social media
15:16
Andy Gregory
Matthew Searle, from LBT Global, said the charity was working with the family to sort out the next steps of taking his body home and the recovery of his belongings.
He said: “We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back.
“We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere”.
Watch: Footage shows terrain searched by team who found body in Jay Slater
15:01
Andy Gregory
Jay Slater’s friend pays heartfelt tribute to ‘one of a kind’ teenager
14:47
Andy Gregory
Following the discovery of Jay Slater’s body, his friend Lucy Law, who was the last known person to speak to him during a phone call on 17 June, issued a tribute on her Instagram page.
She said: “Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you’ll be missed more than you know.
“I’m sure you’ll ‘have your dancing shoes polished and ready’ waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.”
Jay Slater appeared to die of injuries consistent with accidental fall, charity says
14:31
Andy Gregory
Post-mortem examinations on the remains found in Tenerife have now been carried out, and officials have confirmed that the fingerprint analysis confirms the body is that of Jay Slater.
Matthew Searle MBE, the chief executive of charity LBT Global, which is supporting the family, said: “The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height.
“There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible.”
Jay Slater’s mother says ‘our hearts are broken’ after body identified
14:17
Andy Gregory
Jay Slater’s mother has said her family’s “hearts are broken” after a body found in the search for the British teenager was confirmed to be his.
Debbie Duncan said the confirmation of her son’s death in Tenerife was “the worst news”.
In a statement released through the charity LBT Global, she said: “I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.”
Injuries Jay Slater sustained are compatible with accidental fall, Spanish authorities confirm
13:54
Tara Cobham
The body found in Tenerife is that of missing British teenager Jay Slater and the injuries sustained were compatible with an accidental fall, Spanish authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
"We have a positive ID... Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area," a court spokesperson said. Earlier, the same spokesperson said autopsy results would still take some days to materialise.
The body was found in a remote area of the Spanish island on Monday morning by a Civil Guard mountain rescue group.
Mr Slater, 19, went missing on 17 June and his phone was last traced to the Masca ravine in a remote national park on the Canary Islands archipelago.
The remains were found with the 19-year-old’s possessions and clothes and it is understood it was discovered close to the site of his mobile phone's last location, missing persons charity LBT Global said on Monday.
Body found in Tenerife belongs to Jay Slater, autopsy confirms
13:19
Tara Cobham
The body found in Tenerife belongs to missing Briton Jay Slater, an autopsy has confirmed.
A court spokesperson said this afternoon that autopsy fingerprinting confirms that the body found on the Spanish island belongs to the 19-year-old.
Documents found on body discovered in search for Jay Slater did belong to teenager, officials say
13:05
Tara Cobham
Documents found on the body discovered in the search for Jay Slater did belong to the teenager, officials in Tenerife have said.
The Canary Islands High Court of Justice added that the 19-year-old in all likelihood suffered an accidental fall, reported the BBC, but the cause of death is yet to be determined.
Spanish police release footage of new search highlighting difficulty of navigating terrain
13:01
Tara Cobham
Spanish police have released new footage of rescue teams scouring the area where the body believed to be that of Jay Slater was found, highlighting how difficult the terrain is to navigate as well as to search.
The video released by the Guardia Civil on Tenerife this morning shows rescue teams clambering up steep, rocky cliffs and chopping down thick undergrowth in the remote valley near the village of Masca, with a helicopter also seen flying overhead.
#RescatesGC | Agentes de la @GuardiaCivil pertenecientes al Grupo de Rescate e Intervención en Montaña #GREIM han localizado el cuerpo sin vida de un joven en la zona de Masca, perteneciente al municipio de Buenavista del Norte #Tenerife pic.twitter.com/1oq41fWYRg
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) July 16, 2024
Area where body was found in hunt for Jay Slater is reportedly being searched again
12:52
Tara Cobham
The area where the body was found in the hunt for Jay Slater is reportedly being searched again.
Rescue teams are today scouring the remote valley in Tenerife where the human remains that are believed to be that of the teenager were discovered.
The fresh search is being carried out in the remote area near the village of Masca to make sure nothing is missed in the thick undergrowth, according to media reports.
The 19-year-old was last seen about one mile away from the new search site, while his mobile phone was last detected nearby.
A local resident told Sky News it is “exceptionally difficult” to safely walk down the valley.
Another resident said: “It is sad – the spot where they found him shows he had gone a long way into the ravine. It is hard to understand how he got there.”
Tenerife officials ‘say identification of body will likely not happen until next week'
12:25
Tara Cobham
Tenerife officials have reportedly now said full identification of the body recovered in the search for Jay Slater will likely not happen until next week.
However, the officials on the Spanish island said the documentation found on the body did belong to the teenager, according to the Express.
In the first comments from the investigating court since the discovery, an official representing the judge said: “There is very little doubt about both the identity and the aetiology. The documentation he was carrying corresponds to that of Jay Slater and everything is pointing to an accidental fall, although that is unofficial pending the final reports.”
The official from the court in the town of Icod de los Vinos – which covers the area of Masca, where the body was found – added: “The court is saying the official identification will not be known until next week.”
Jay Slater’s friends pay heartfelt tribute to ‘happiest person in the room’ after discovery of a body
11:30
Tara Cobham
The friends who went on holiday with Jay Slater have written about the “happiest and most smiley person in the room” after a body was discovered in the mountains of Tenerife.
Human remains were found on Monday alongside the 19-year-old’s possessions and clothes, with initial police investigations suggesting he “could have suffered an accidental fall”. The body has not yet been formally identified.
The apprentice bricklayer vanished almost one month ago after a night out with friends on the Spanish island.
My colleague Barney Davis has the full story:
Police believe Jay Slater suffered a fall in Tenerife
11:00
Tara Cobham
Police believe Jay Slater suffered a fall in Tenerife after a body was discovered that is believed to be that of the 19-year-old.
The Spanish Civil Guard said initial investigations suggest the teenager “could have suffered an accident fall” in the steep and inaccessible area where the remains were found.
The force said an autopsy will be performed on the body “to confirm that the death was accidental”.
Touching new pictures of Jay Slater with friends revealed by Lucy Law in tribute
10:49
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s family are ‘absolutely broken’ and believe he died instantly after falling from height
10:24
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s “devastated” family are “absolutely broken” after the discovery of a body in the search for the missing teenager.
They believe the 19-year-old likely died instantly after falling from a height in a remote area, and are therefore no longer critical of the search for him.
A family spokesman told MailOnline on Tuesday: “The whole family is absolutely broken. They are devastated. It's not the outcome they were hoping for.
“Initially, they thought, how could he be so close and yet be missed? But now having seen the location, they appreciate the remoteness of it and there is no criticism of the search.
“It looks as if he fell from a height, so he would most likely have been killed instantly and he wasn't there for a long time.
“There will be a PM [post-mortem] in Tenerife and probably one in the UK, and repatriation should be within a week or so, it's all time-dependent.”
Autopsy of body found in Jay Slater search will ‘probably’ happen this morning
09:33
Tara Cobham
An autopsy of the body thought to be that of Jay Slater will “probably” take place this morning.
DNA tests will be carried out to establish the person’s identity, along with an autopsy, which a police spokesman told Manchester Evening News would “probably” happen on Tuesday morning.
Jay Slater’s friend Lucy Law pays emotional tribute to ‘happiest and most smiley’ teenager
09:05
Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s friend Lucy Law has paid an emotional tribute to the teenager as “the happiest and most smiley person in the room”.
Writing on Instagram last night, she said: “Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you was one of a kind Jay and you’ll be missed more than you know. I’m sure you’ll ‘have your dancing shoes polished and ready’ waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.”
Ms Law, Mr Slater and their other friend Brad Hargreaves had all been on holiday together in Tenerife when the 19-year-old vanished.
Mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was the body found?
08:40
Tara Cobham
The full statement from charity supporting Jay Slater’s family
08:00
Athena Stavrou
Here is the full statement issued today by LBT Global, the charity supporting Jay Slater’s family, after a body was found in the search for the missing teenager:
“LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater.
It is understood the body was found close to the site of his mobile phone’s last location.
“Although formal identification is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater’s possessions and clothes. A post mortem and forensic enquiries will follow.
“LBT Global are supporting the family at this distressing time and ask for everyone to afford them space and privacy to come to terms with the news.”
Full police statement
07:00
Athena Stavrou
Here is the full statement from Spanish police as it confirmed they had found a body in the search for Jay Slater on Monday:
“The mountain rescue and intervention group of the Civil Guard has located the lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area after 29 days of constant search.
“Given the complexity of the case, the discovery has been possible thanks to the incessant and discreet search carried out by the Civil Guard during these 29 days, in which the natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers.
“All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who has been missing since June 17 in the absence of full identification.
“The first investigations reveal that he could have suffered an accident fall in the inaccessible area where he was found.”
Civil Guard continued search discreetly
06:00
Athena Stavrou
Tenerife’s civil guard said it had found a body in the search for Jay Slater, despite having publicly called off the search over two weeks ago.
After 13 days of searching, the Spanish authorities called off the search on June 30, but said they were continuing their investigation.
However upon recovering a body Monday, they revealed they had indeed continued an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Watch: Footage shows search team who found body in Jay Slater search in action
05:00
Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater’s mother criticises ‘vile’ conspiracy theories
04:00
Athena Stavrou
In her final statement prior to a body being found in the search for her son, Jay Slater’s mother Debbie Duncan criticised the “awful comments and conspiracy theories” on social media.
Ms Duncan wrote: “As we approach four weeks of our beautiful Jay’s disappearance, we cannot put into words the heartache we are suffering as a family.
“Jay is a typical young man who loves life with a bright future ahead of him. This month will mark the end of his three year apprenticeship with the world at his feet. He is loved by everyone and has a close bond with his family and many many friends
“We would also like to say that we are aware of the awful comments and conspiracy theories that are filling social media. These theories are hindering the people trying to help us in their investigations here in Tenerife and are vile to see as a family.
“He is a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to so many. He is such a popular boy this and is very distressing for us all to read.”
Watch: Britons using new safety measures in Tenerife after Jay Slater disappearance
03:00
Athena Stavrou
Pictured: The search for Jay Slater near village of Masca
02:00
Athena Stavrou
Here are some more images of the search and terrain near Masca:
Full story: Human remains found by rescue teams searching for Jay Slater, police say
01:00
Athena Stavrou
After four gruelling weeks of mystery, the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater appears to have come to an end in northern Tenerife.
Human remains have been found in the area where the 19-year-old vanished on the morning of 17 June, Spanish police said on Monday.
The Civil Guard said the evidence strongly suggested the remains were those of the Lancashire teenager, with his clothes and possessions being found nearby.
Authorities said DNA tests will be carried out to establish the person’s identity, along with an autopsy to uncover the cause of their death, police added.
Read the full story here:
Where was Jay Slater last seen?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater had flown to the island to attend a music festival with his friends, in what was his first holiday without his family.
On Sunday June 16, he had spent the day at the NRG music festival where his friends left him to return back to their accommodation early after a tiring weekend.
He then went to a nightclub on the Veronicas strip in Playa de Las Americas, nearby where his holiday accommodation was, until the early hours of the morning. At around 5am, Mr Slater travelled to an AirBnb where two men he had met were staying around a 27 miles further north in the remote village of Masca.
One of the men has been identified as Ayub Qassim, who told the MailOnline that he let Mr Slater stay at his accommodation because he “had nowhere else to go” and insisted he was safe when he left the property at 7:30am.
Mr Slater was last seen by a cafe owner, who said the teenager had asked her about bus times before deciding not to wait two hours for a service.
The cafe owner said she saw Mr Slater “walking away fast” out of the village, and his phone was last detected nearby in the Rural de Teno National Park.
At around 8:15am on Monday he called his friend Lucy Law to tell her he was lost, needed a drink of water and that he had one per cent battery left on his phone.
Jay Slater’s ‘possessions and clothes’ found near body
Monday 15 July 2024 23:30
Athena Stavrou
While Mr Slater’s family has not yet commented on the discovery, a charity they have been working with said they were “supporting the family at this distressing time”.
The statement, released on Monday afternoon, read: “LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater. It is understood the body was found close to the site of his mobile phone’s last location.
“Although formal identification is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater’s possessions and clothes. A post mortem and forensic enquiries will follow.”
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was the body found?
Monday 15 July 2024 23:29
Athena Stavrou
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a little under a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist.
Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
The search followed Mr Slater’s last known steps through treacherous valleys and dangerous ravines until a body, thought to be the remains of the 19-year-old, was found after four gruelling weeks.
Read the full story here:
Donations continue to pour in for Jay Slater
Monday 15 July 2024 23:00
Athena Stavrou
GoFundMeDonations are continuing to pour in to the GoFundMe campaign to help find Jay Slater, after the Civil Guard in Tenerife said they had found a body in their search for the teenager.
More than 4,000 peope have donated a total of over £55,000 to the GoFundMe set up by Jay’s friend Lucy Law, on behalf of his mother Debbie Duncan, at the outset of the search last month.
Ms Duncan has said the money is being used to support mountain rescue teams, and to cover her own accommodation and food costs during her extended stay on the island.
Body found ‘in very inaccessible area’, report says
Monday 15 July 2024 22:33
Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater’s phone was last located near a stretch of road by the Mirador La Cruz de Hilda, a cafe near the village of Masca with cacti and dense shrubbery on either side, which had made it slow work for helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs to comb through the area.
The body discovered on Monday morning was found by Civil Guard mountain rescue specialists in a very “inaccessible” area.
Lancashire police release statement
Monday 15 July 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
Lancashire police have released a statement following the discovery of a body in the search for Jay Slater in Tenerife.
The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, went missing almost a month ago while on holiday with his friends.
Lancashire police had previously offered to help the Spanish civil guard in its search for the apprentice bricklayer.
The force spokesperson said on Monday: “We have today (Monday, July 15) been notified by the Guardia Civil that they have found the body of a man and that the indications are that this is Jay Slater. While at this stage no formal identification has been carried out our thoughts are very much with Jay’s family at this time, and we continue to offer them our support.”
Civil Guard continued search discreetly
Monday 15 July 2024 21:33
Athena Stavrou
Tenerife’s civil guard said it had found a body in the search for Jay Slater, despite having publicly called off the search over two weeks ago.
After 13 days of searching, the Spanish authorities called off the search on June 30, but said they were continuing their investigation.
However upon recovering a body Monday, they revealed they had indeed continued an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Footage shows terrain close to where body was found
Monday 15 July 2024 20:47
Athena Stavrou
The Spanish Civil Guard has released video footage of rescuers climbing rock faces and battling through scrub as they carried out the search.
Part of the clip shows two members of the search team being winched out of the area by helicopter after the body had been found and recovered.
Three unanswered questions about British teen’s disappearance on Tenerife
Monday 15 July 2024 20:19
Andy Gregory
“All indications” suggest that the body found could be that of Jay Slater, who “could have died due to an accidental fall in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found”, the Civil Guard has said.
With post-mortem and forensic investigations yet to conclude, questions remain over how the apprentice bricklayer went missing in an area inundated with tourists.
Here are three unanswered questions in his disappearance:
Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was the body found?
Monday 15 July 2024 19:50
Andy Gregory
Civil Guard statement in full
Monday 15 July 2024 19:22
Andy Gregory
Here is the Civil Guard’s statement today in full:
“Civil Guard agents belonging to the Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM) have located this morning the lifeless body of a young man in the Masca area, belonging to the municipality of Buenavista del Norte.
“All indications indicate that it could be the young British man who had been missing for 29 days, who could have died due to an accidental fall in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found.
“Thanks to the incessant and constant search carried out by the different units of the Civil Guard, in which they have not stopped searching for the young man every day in the Masca area, where he had allegedly disappeared, this morning , GREIM agents, Mountain specialists, have found the lifeless body of the young man in a very inaccessible area.”
Watch: Jay Slater's friend recalls final phone call before teenager went missing in Tenerife
Monday 15 July 2024 18:53
Andy Gregory
Timeline: The search for missing teenager Jay Slater in Tenerife
Monday 15 July 2024 18:36
Andy Gregory
A body has been found in the search for Jay Slater nearly a full month since the British teenager was last seen.
Here is a timeline of the key events prior to his disappearance and leading up to the discovery:
