Heartbreak as Body Found Near Missing Jay Slater’s Last Spot in Tenerife
The devastated mum of Jay Slater, 19, is demanding answers after a body was found near his last known location in Tenerife. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, vanished on June 17 while holidaying on the Spanish island, sparking a massive search.
Police Discover Body After Search Called Off
Spanish police ended the official search after two weeks but quietly continued looking. On Monday, they found a body close to where Jay’s phone last pinged almost a month ago. His belongings and clothes were recovered nearby. While formal ID is pending, officers say, “everything is pointing to it being” Jay.
“Debbie is completely devastated,” a family source told The Sun. “Finding the remains so close to the original search site makes this news even harder to bear.”
Family Targeted by Trolls Amid Tragedy
The family’s grief worsened when Jay’s parents were hit with a cruel fake hostage video claiming, “We have your son.” Ex-Scotland Yard detective Mark Williams-Thomas, helping the family, revealed fraudsters posted two bogus videos showing alleged beatings of Jay. The family knew the clips were fake but had to follow up every lead, hoping for a miracle.
Friends and Community Mourn Jay
Jay’s friend Brad Hargreaves, who holidayed with him, paid tribute on Instagram: “Nothing will be the same without you. Rest easy brother. Love you always.” His brother’s girlfriend Jessica Rogers also shared a heartfelt message online featuring a blue heart and the words: “Will love you forever.”
Locals in Lancashire have shown huge support, tying blue ribbons and sharing their grief. A local man told the BBC, “It’s a shame, everybody wants him home – everybody wants an answer.”
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
The body was found in a remote, tricky area near Masca village, which may explain why it took so long. The discovery occurred during a secret search ordered by the court to stop public interference. Tenerife’s Guardia Civil awaits post-mortem results to confirm the cause of death, with suspicion Jay fell in the rough terrain.
Jay’s last known location was Rural de Teno Park, an 11-hour walk from his accommodation after attending the NRG music festival. Meanwhile, LBT Global, a charity backing families of Brits missing abroad, expressed sorrow while confirming the body likely is Jay’s.
“LBT Global is saddened to announce that a body found in Tenerife does look to be that of Jay Slater,” the charity said. “Although formal ID is yet to be carried out, the body was found with Mr Slater’s possessions and clothes.”
Jay’s family and supporters raised over £54,000 for the search. Now, they face the heartbreak of accepting the tragic outcome as the investigation continues. LBT Global urges privacy for the family at this difficult time.
