The body of 19-year-old British teenager Jay Slater, who went missing in Tenerife, has been confirmed found by the Spanish authorities. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, had been missing since June 17, 2024. His body was discovered on July 15, 2024, in a rocky area near the village of Masca, according to the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands.

Jay Slater had been on his first holiday without family, attending the NRG music festival. His last known sighting was after he visited an Airbnb with two acquaintances. Authorities confirmed his identity through fingerprint tests and stated that his death was caused by trauma consistent with a fall from a significant height.

“I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy.”
Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan

As she issued this heartfelt statement expressing her devastation, she described the news as the worst she could ever receive.

The discovery of Jay’s body came after an extensive search operation conducted by the Civil Guard and various emergency services. Initially, the search was reported as halted to prevent attracting onlookers due to widespread interest and speculation on social media. However, efforts continued discreetly until his body was found.

Tributes have poured in for Jay from friends, family, and educational institutions. Lucy Law, the last person to speak to Jay, remembered him as “the happiest and most smiley person in the room.” Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay was an apprentice bricklayer, described him as a hard-working student with a bright future.

Despite the tragic outcome, the search and discovery have provided some closure to Jay’s family. Matthew Searle of LBT Global, a charity aiding families in overseas missing persons cases, stated they are assisting the family in repatriating Jay’s body and handling his belongings.

Authorities have indicated that while the immediate cause of death appears to be accidental, the investigation is ongoing. Some details remain undisclosed until the completion of the probe.

This tragedy has deeply affected the community of Oswaldtwistle and beyond, with vigils and memorials being held in Jay’s honor. Local MP Sarah Smith described the news as heartbreaking and extended her condolences to the family.